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Types of advocacy

There are different types of advocacy, each with different eligibility criteria. Statutory advocacy types are available everywhere, but other types of advocacy are unique to a particular local area.

Statutory advocacy types

The law says that some types of advocacy must always be provided for eligible people, no matter where you live. We call these ​‘statutory’ advocacy types. Even if we do not provide them in your area, there will be another advocacy organisation that does.

NHS complaints advocacy

Everyone is eligible for NHS complaints advocacy when they have a complaint about an NHS service. 

Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)

Almost anyone who is detained under the Mental Health Act is eligible for this. 

Care Act advocacy

For decisions about care or support when it will be difficult for the person to be involved, and friends or family aren’t able to help… 

Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)

For accommodation and treatment decisions. Eligibility is based on decision-making capacity and whether the person has friends or family. 

Relevant Person's Representative

For people who are deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital. 

Rule 1.2 Representative

For people who are deprived of their liberty in a community or domestic setting. 

Advocacy for children and young people

For children and young people who are either Looked After, have special educational needs or are transitioning to adult care and support. 

Unpaid Carers advocacy

Unpaid Carers advocacy is for people who are aged 18 or over, who are caring for an eligible adult or child. 

Other types of advocacy

In some local areas, there is extra advocacy available in addition to statutory advocacy. We call this ​‘general advocacy’ but it is also known as community advocacy, professional advocacy, general health advocacy or non-statutory advocacy.

What’s on offer and the eligibility varies a lot between different local areas. In some places, only statutory advocacy is available.

Services in my area

See if we work in your area and what types of advocacy we offer