Advocacy

You will have access to an advocate when you are on the ward. They
 come every Wednesday to support you during your weekly clinical review meeting.

Advocacy is a process of helping someone to speak up for themselves, or making sure they are heard at a time when speaking up for themselves may be difficult. The advocacy service is independent from all other services and roles and is totally young person led.

What does an advocate do?

Advocates are there to support your choices. For example, they can:

• listen to your views and concerns
• help you explore your options and rights (without advising them in any direction)
• give you information to help to make informed decisions
• help you contact relevant people, or contact them on their behalf
• accompany and support you in meetings or appointments

An advocate will not:

• give you their personal opinion
• solve problems and make decisions for you
• make judgements about you