An advocate is a person who speaks up for you, acts on your behalf and, where required, puts forward your case for you. They can also provide confidential and independent support.
Advocates are independent of social services and the NHS.
Advovates can:
- talk about how you feel about your care
- provide you with independent advice to help you make informed choices about your care
- help you with information about services and your choices, rights and options
- present your case to the health and social care services
- support you in meetings / interviews. They can speak for you if you can not speak for yourself
- write letters on your behalf, and help you in sending them to the right person
- challenge decisions about your care and support if you do not agree with them
- stand up for your rights
More information on the NHS website here