Generic Advocacy
This service operates across Worcestershire and provides free, independent and confidential support to adults who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. Support is provided by a skilled and experienced team of paid and volunteer advocates. Advocates work alongside individuals in a supportive and empowering partnership.
The advocate gained the trust of the person being supported which enabled them to be more open with me and understand the process they were in.
I am so grateful to the advocate as I feel certain I would still have a problem with the council about my rent if she hadn’t been there to support me.
After a very bad time in my life I am now able to think and make decisions and have the confidence to do things and face challenges.
The aims and objectives of each partnership will be unique but will focus on ensuring that:
- the persons voice and views are heard,
- they have access to information and professional advice and guidance
- they have support to consider options, make decisions and act on information and advice.
- they are afforded fair and equal treatment
Could an advocate help you?
If you are an adult facing disadvantage or vulnerable and you can answer yes to some of the questions below then an advocate could be a good option for you
- Do you find it difficult to get your views across to other people?
- Does it feel like people are making decisions about you but not in consultation with you?
- Does it feel difficult to speak and say how you feel in meetings?
- Are you unhappy with a service or an organisation and feel you need support to speak to someone or make a complaint?
- Is it difficult to consider options and make decisions because you are under stress or in difficult circumstances
Non-instructed advocacy
This is a type of advocacy we provide in circumstances where an individual has very limited ability to instruct an advocate and express their views and preferences. In these circumstances an advocate will aim to gain an understanding of that person, talking to others involved in their life and provide an independent view within decision making processes that promotes the rights and interests of that person.
Getting in Touch
If you feel an advocate could be helpful for you or someone you know then you can get in touch directly with our Gateway team on 0844 248 9 248 or advocacy@onside-advocacy.org.uk. They will explain more about the service and discuss your specific situation.
If advocacy seems to be an appropriate option then they will arrange for one of the advocacy team to meet with you or the person you are referring to carry out an assessment. They may also be able to provide you with information on other options for support from other agencies.
Information Leaflet
Onside Advocacy Information Leaflet.pdf