Advocacy in Inverclyde
Get support with your health, social care, and wellbeing
If you live in Inverclyde, our free advocacy service can support you to understand your rights and have your voice heard.
- Vulnerable people, 16+ years, who are affected by disability, chronic illness or mental disorder, and unable to safeguard their own well-being, rights, care or other interest.
- Children <16 years, subject to compulsory measures under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, or are the subject of a Welfare Guardianship application, under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 200.
- People in prison who are receiving social services or healthcare
services and want to make a complaint about their care.
An advocate can help you to:
- understand information about your rights, and options
- ask questions so you can say what you want
- have your voice heard and represent yourself
- be fully involved in decisions about your health, social care, and wellbeing
Make a self referral
If you are making a referral for yourself, please fill in this form to request an advocate in Inverclyde
Professionals referral form
This form will be filled in by professionals making a referral, such as care workers, social workers and health professionals
What does an advocate do?
An advocate is an independent professional who supports people to have their say, be heard, and understand their rights. They do not work for local council or NHS.
An advocate will support you throughout processes about your health, care, and wellbeing. Your advocate can meet with you in person, over the phone, or on a video call. An advocate will support you in the way that works best for you so you can understand what is happening and say what you want.
An advocate will:
- listen to what you think about what’s happening to you
- help you say what you want and don’t want
- help you understand information about your situation
- explain your options
- plan with you about what to do next
Who can refer for advocacy support in Inverclyde
You can refer yourself.
A friend or family member can make a referral.
Professionals such as care workers, social workers and health professionals can also make referrals.