Community Advocacy
Our service empower individuals to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and obtain the necessary support to achieve their goals.
The community advocacy service is funded to provide advocacy to adults who are 18 or over living in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and meets one or more of the following criteria:
- people with learning disabilities and/or autism
- people with mental health problems
- people with a brain injury
- people with physical disabilities
- people with sensory impairments (sight and hearing problems)
- older people and people with dementia
- people with a long-term illness
- people with profound and multiple disabilities or complex health needs
An advocate CAN support someone to:
- understand their rights
- understand any processes and decisions they are subject to
- understand their options
- communicate their views, wishes and feelings
- make their own choices challenge a decision
An advocate DOES NOT:
- offer legal advice
- offer counselling or befriending
- tell people they support what decisions to make
- tell health or social care professionals what decisions to make
Even when someone can’t tell their advocate their views, our advocates will use a range of communication methods to establish their views and wishes as far as possible to secure their rights.
Our advocate will aim to acknowledge a referral within 5 to 7 working days. Due to high demand, cases are assessed according to our priority policy. Whilst we aim to avoid waiting lists, at times they may be unavoidable. If a client is added to waiting list, they will be given regular updates to when their case may be taken on.
This service is very helpful for people who need support to deal with an issue they are facing. For example they: Are finding it difficult to put their views across or don’t feel they are being listened to Are in a situation where they feel vulnerable or that they could be at risk of abuse Need help to access services relating to their health, lifestyle, or independence Are struggling with an issue and feel they would benefit from some support.
What the Community Advocate does:
Deliver Community Advocacy or non-statutory advocacy for adults who need advocacy but do not meet the threshold for statutory advocacy. Provide information and advice relating to the care and support for adults and support of carers. Empower service users in order to effectively express their wishes and choices around their own health and wellbeing. Ensure service user’s rights are upheld and supported. Support service users to understand their rights and expectations in relation to health and social care. Support service users to build resilience and independence to live their life in the way that they want to. Work towards a co-produced plan of action with service users to support independent living.
How do I get support from a advocate?
- You can be referred to us by a health or care service professional.
- In some cases, a carer or family member can also make a referral.
- or you can contact us yourself.
How to make a referral
Download and complete our referral form: Community Advocacy referral form
You can make a referral by contacting our Community advocate: [email protected] 07496418892
If you have questions about eligibility or referral types, contact Deborah.