Do you need help communicating your needs and understanding your treatment?
If you find it difficult to understand your treatment options or if you struggle to communicate your needs, support is available.
An 'advocate' will help you understand the care process, make sure you're heard, and act as a spokesperson for you. If you're unsure of anything, they can help you make tough decisions and challenge things that you disagree with. If needed, an advocate will simply listen and talk to you about how you feel about your care.
Advocates work with you independently and are not part of Clinical Partners.
What is advocacy?
In healthcare, advocacy can help you:
- Have your voice heard on important issues
- Help you understand your rights
- Defend and safeguard your rights
- Ensure your views and wishes are considered
What does an advocate do?
An advocate can provide practical assistance by:
- Accompanying you to appointments
- Writing letters and emails for you
- Supporting you in care and treatment planning
Your local council can help
If you need help but don't have the support of family or friends, your local council has to provide an advocate. To get started this way, contact social services at your local council and ask about advocacy services.
Other ways to find an advocate
POhWER is a charity that helps people to be involved in decisions being made about their care. POhWER works in more than 100 local authority areas, across England, delivering the full range of statutory and non-statutory advocacy services. Call POhWER's support centre on 0300 456 2370 for advice.
SeAp Advocacy gives advocacy support. Their advocacy services can help you resolve issues or concerns and help you have a say in the way you, or someone you love, is cared for. Call 0330 440 9000 for advice or text SEAP to 80800 and someone will get back to you.
VoiceAbility gives advocacy support. Call 01223 555800 for advice or find the phone number for your local VoiceAbility service.
Contact the charity Age UK to see if they have advocates in your area. Contact Age UK online or call 0800 055 6112.
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