What is advocacy?
Advocacy makes sure your views are heard and taken seriously. An advocate is independent of services. Advocacy can:
- Help you make informed choices
- Help others understand your point of view
- Make it easier to get information in a way you understand
- Be free and confidential
How an advocate can support you
An advocate can:
- Help you think through your options
- Make your views and wishes clear
- Provide independent information
- Help you understand your rights
- Support you to speak up for yourself
- Speak up on your behalf if you’re unable to do this yourself
When advocacy is available
You can get advocacy:
- During a local authority needs assessment, care and support review, or adult safeguarding process
- If you are detained under the Mental Health Act, on a Community Treatment Order (CTO), or subject to a Guardianship Order
- If you have a complaint about NHS treatment or care
Who provides independent advocacy in Staffordshire?
The statutory advocacy provider for adults is Advocacy Services in Staffordshire (ASIST).
ASIST helps people to have their voices heard and rights respected. The service is free, independent and confidential.
Types of advocacy provided by ASIST
- Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) – including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and Paid Representatives
- Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
- Care Act Advocacy – including Care Act Advocacy in prisons
- Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS)
Not sure which advocacy you need? Contact ASIST and they will advise.
Contact ASIST
- Phone: 01785 246709 or 0300 800 1000
- Email: referrals@asist.co.uk
- Website: ASIST website
Advocacy for children and young people
Independent advocacy is available for children and young people in Staffordshire and this will also be provided by Asist from 1st April 2026. As part of this service, will also be Independent Visitors for children in care, Parental Advocacy, Independent Persons for Secure Accommodation Reviews, and Appropriate Adults for age assessments of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
View more about advocacy services for children and young people.
Other advocacy services
Some people may prefer or need specialist advocacy. You can search for other local providers on Staffordshire Connects