Care act factsheets Independent Advocacy

What is Independent Advocacy?

If you find it difficult to understand your care and support or find it hard to speak up, there are professionals who can act and speak on your behalf. Independent advocates offer free and confidential support to make sure you’re heard – this is called advocacy

How can an independent advocate support you?

Independent advocates are there to support you if you have difficulty understanding and taking part in care processes, and you don’t have an appropriate person (such as a family member or friend) to support you. 

Independent advocates can:

  • Provide an independent point of view
  • Help you to understand your rights, and make your views clear
  • Support you to speak up for yourself, or speak on your behalf if you’re unable to do so, in meetings or through written communication
  • Help you think through your options regarding your care and support

When can an independent advocate support you?

An advocate can offer support in a range of situations, including:

  • During social care assessments, care and support planning, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and Adult Social Care Safeguarding and reviews. 
  • During a mental health act assessment if you are detained, or on a community treatment order, you are entitled to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA).
  • If you lack the mental capacity to make your own decisions, you are entitled to an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA).

How can I get an independent advocate?

You can speak to your social care practitioner who can help you. 

The statutory advocacy provider for adults in Staffordshire is called ASIST.

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