Advocacy for Social Care

What is advocacy?

An advocate is someone who can speak up for you. They can help if you face difficulties in being involved in decisions about your care and having your voice heard, and normally have no other independent person to help you do so.

An advocate can help you say what you want, secure your rights, represent your interests, and obtain services you need.

Advocacy is free, independent, and confidential.

How to get support from an advocate

You may have a trusted family member or friend who is willing to support you and act as an advocate.  If you don't have anyone able to support you, there are some advocacy services you can arrange for yourself, by contacting local advocacy providers directly. Other advocacy services may be provided for you via the Council, if it is agreed that you are eligible for them.  Advocacy in West Berkshire is available to you, if you are an older person, a carer, a person with a disability or a mental health illness.

In West Berkshire, SWAN (South West Advocacy Network) provides advocacy services if you are to have an assessment about your care needs but these are only accessible via a West Berkshire Council referral. Ask your allocated worker to arrange an advocate for you.

This adult service includes:

• Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, including Safeguarding Advocacy and Relevant Persons Representative
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy
• Care Act Advocacy

However, you can access Independent Mental Health Advocacy directly yourself via SWAN.

If you are a professional wishing to refer a client, please visit: Referrals for West Berkshire Adult Advocacy Services.

Independent Health Complaints Advocacy and Healthwatch in West Berkshire is provided by The Advocacy People who you can contact directly.

There are other organisations offering advocacy on the West Berkshire Directory.