‘Fantastic news’ — VoiceAbility reappointed to provide free advocacy services in Bedfordshire until 2028
VoiceAbility has successfully retained its advocacy contract with Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire councils, supporting people to be heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing.
Following a successful retender bid, we’ve been reappointed as a trusted partner in delivering an enhanced range of adult advocacy services to communities across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.
We provide free advocacy services to support and empower individuals to communicate their views and wishes, understand their rights, and make informed decisions.
VoiceAbility’s Bedfordshire team, led by Sally Hazeltine (centre)
Advocacy services include support in critical areas such as:
- Representation in Mental Health Act tribunals
- Communication with health and social care professionals
- Assistance in making formal complaints in relation to health and social care services
Councillor Mark Smith, Executive Member for Adult Social Care at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Advocacy is about ensuring people have a voice, speaking for them when they can’t and supporting them to speak for themselves when they can regardless of their circumstances.
“It also defends and safeguards their rights, and ensures their views and wishes are genuinely considered when decisions are being made about their lives.
The advocacy service makes a positive difference not just to the people we are referring, but also the professionals they are working with.
“This is because having advocacy involvement is helping them to understand that our clients have the right to be heard and to be as independent as possible.”
Sally Hazeltine, VoiceAbility’s Team Leader for Bedfordshire, said:
It’s fantastic news that our team can continue to provide advocacy support to the people of Bedfordshire.
“We’ll continue to work closely with Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and other organisations 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 independent 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.”
To find out more about advocacy for you or someone you know, visit voiceability.org/beds which provides information about the different types of advocacy available in Central Bedfordshire.
To make an enquiry or referral, please email helpline@voiceability.org or call free on 0300 303 1660.