Advocates are people who can speak up for you and support you on a one-to-one basis. They can help people:
- formally express their views
- say what they want
- represent their interests
- communicate choices
- understand a complaints process
- complain if they are unhappy with a service
- gain access to public services or support.
Where can I find an advocate?
East Sussex County Council's adult social care professionals regularly act as an advocate on behalf of people who use our services. But there may be times when you might choose to use an independent advocate.
For example, you might need help with making a complaint about Adult Social Care, or with challenging a decision made by Adult Social Care services.
Independent advocacy services are open to everyone, whether or not you get a service from Adult Social Care.
Not everyone will need independent advocacy in every situation. But, if you do, we will make sure it's easy for you to use, and sensitive to your particular cultural, language, or communication needs.
If you need help finding someone to work with you as an independent advocate, the Council has commissioned several independent organisations (this means they are not part of the Council) that you can contact for help.
Local independent advocacy services:
POhWER
Phone: 0300 456 2370
Email: pohwer@pohwer.net
Website: POhWER.net
Other independent organisations that can help with advocacy:
- Action for advocacy (A4A)
A national organisation promoting independent advocacy services for vulnerable people. Use their website to find an advocate, get advice on becoming an advocate and see a code of practice for advocates.
- Advocacy Resources Exchange (ARX)
Advocacy Resources Exchange (ARX) is an organisation that provides information and advice about advocacy.
- Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.
- East Sussex Community Information Services (ESCIS) – Advocacy
ESCIS provides useful links to local advocacy services and support groups.
- Voice Ability
A charity that helps with advocacy services in London and the South East. They help people with learning disabilities, older people and people with mental health needs or physical impairments to have real control over life decisions.
NHS: Local patient advice and liaison services
The NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) helps patients, relatives or carers in healthcare settings when they need advice or information, have concerns or don't know where to turn.
Advocacy support for children and young people
If a child or a young person needs advocacy help, please get in touch with the Council's children and family services:
East Sussex County Council