Advocacy for social care service users and carers

What is advocacy?

We make decisions all of the time, small decisions like what to have for lunch, much bigger decisions such as where to live or decisions about your health - do you need treatment, or help to live safely. 

Most people can make these decisions without any help. However, if you face challenges that stop you being able to make decisions that affect your life, or you feel your views aren't being heard, then an independent advocate could help. This is someone you as or give permission to act on your behalf. They can help and support you to voice your views and wishes, or they can express these on your behalf.

Advocates can:

• Speak on your behalf if you are unable to do so for yourself. 
• Tell others what you want and help you to understand what choices are available to you.
• Help you to have control over your life.
• Listen to you and try to understand your point of view
• Stand up for you and make sure other people who may be involved in your life such as your GP, social worker and other professionals consider your wishes and feelings. 
• Write letters and attend meetings with you.
• Help you to make a complaint if you are unhappy with a service. 

There are different types of advocacy

Statutory advocacy is when you are legally entitled to an advocate under the law. This might be because you are being treated under the Mental Health Act 1983 or you qualify for advocacy under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. 

When you start working with us, we will consider whether any difficulties you have mean you should have an advocate. This is your right under the Care Act 2014.   

There is no charge for any advice, telephone calls, letters, and visits to your home or meetings attended on your behalf.

Community advocacy is not a legal requirement and can be delivered by a paid advocate or volunteer. This type of advocacy can support you to cope with a range of situations that you may come across during your life. 

Your advocate will give you one to one support to speak up about yourself. They are there to be your voice, make sure you feel listened to and that your wishes and feelings are being considered. They will respect your personal beliefs and protect your personal information. 

Informal family and friends advocacy this type of advocacy can can be used to describe the role that family and friends play in supporting you. Family and friends can help you to feel listened to and help make sure your wishes and feelings are being heard.  

To make a referral or for more information on advocacy services please ask your social worker, care coordinator or contact Social Care Direct on 03000 267 979. 

You can find details of advocacy services on Durham Locate - Advocacy.

If you want more information on advocacy services, Arranging for someone else's care, and contact your social worker or Social Care Direct.