Advocacy Service

 

What is Advocacy? 

 

Advocacy is speaking up for, or acting on behalf of another person.

 

The Advocacy Service at the Carers’ Support Centre provides individual support to all Carers, and anyone over the age of 50 who feel they would benefit from this type of help. Our service is free and confidential.


Advocacy can be straightforward support such as making a phone call because you are hard of hearing, or find it difficult to express yourself.


An advocate can also help you to work through a specific problem.  For example, if you experience an issue concerning housing, aids and adaptations, repairs or renewals for your home. They can also refer you to someone more appropriate to help if the issues become more complex.


Some people aren’t clear about their rights, or have difficulty in fully understanding these rights. Others may find it hard to speak up for themselves.  Advocacy can help people to take more control of the decisions which affect their lives.  

 

Examples of other services an Advocate can provide are:-

  • Represent you if you so wish
  • Help if you are experiencing difficulty dealing with an issue concerning health or Social Services
  • Help to write a letter of complaint or compliment
  • Accompany you to a meeting and either support you or speak on your behalf
  • Obtain independent advice and accurate information

The most important aim of advocacy is to help someone to speak out and participate fully in decisions made about their lives.

 

.