Our work in Essex grows with launch of advocacy service
VoiceAbility has expanded its work in Essex with the launch of a new advocacy service.
Last month (July) we started a contract with Essex County Council to provide a wide range of advocacy services for adults and children in the area.
This includes providing independent support for people who have been detained under the Mental Health Act, for people deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital, and for decisions about care and support.
People in Essex can also get support with making a complaint about their NHS treatment or care, as well as general advocacy which does not fall under specific government legislation such as the Care Act.
The children’s advocacy service includes support for looked after children up to and including the age of 18, for young people aged 16-25 who are leaving care, and disabled children and young people up to and including the age of 19.
This builds on the work we’re already doing in the county through our Speak Out Essex group, led by autistic people with the aim to improve services for autistic people across Essex.
Sarah Banholzer, VoiceAbility’s operations manager for the South, said: “VoiceAbility is passionate about supporting people to be heard when it matters most.
We’re really pleased to be working with Essex County Council and support networks across the area to reach as many people who need our services as possible.
“If you think you or a friend or family member would benefit from support to be heard in decisions about health or social care, you can call us for free on 0300 303 1660 or refer yourself for support on our website.”
For more information about the free advocacy services VoiceAbility provides in Essex, visit voiceability.org/essex.