Advocacy in Shetland
Get support in Shetland
Are you an adult or child living in Shetland and require assistance in understanding your rights, and having your voice heard and views understood?
VoiceAbility delivers services in Shetland for:
- Adults and children with an assessed need and/or diagnosed mental health disorder defined and covered by the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Adults and children with an assessed need and/or diagnosed learning disability who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
- Adults with an assessed need and/or diagnosed as having dementia who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
- Adults and children an assessed need and/or diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
- Unpaid Carers, including Young Carers, with an assessed need who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
Make a self referral
If you are making a referral for yourself, please fill in this form to request an advocate in Shetland
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.
Your advocate can meet with you over the phone, over video call, or in person. 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 can help you to:
- listen to what you think about your situation
- 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
Your advocate will:
- listen to you and be on your side
- talk with you about your options
- plan with you what you want to do
- represent you, if you are not able to represent yourself
- support you to make decisions
Who can refer for advocacy support in Shetland
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.