Advocacy in Inverclyde
Use our quick and easy online referral form. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete. If you are experiencing any issues with making a referral via our web journey, please use our web chat or call 0300 303 1660, and a member of our team will help you complete and submit your referral.
Make a referral
Get support for yourself or someone you know and check eligibility.
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.
- People, 16+ years, who are affected by disability, chronic illness or mental disorder, and unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, rights, care or other interest.
- 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
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.
Please complete our online referral form.
What guardianship means for you
If you need help understanding what guardianship means and how it could affect your life, this easy read guide is here to support you. It explains who can be a guardian, what they can do, and what rights you have.