Advocacy - Someone to speak on my behalf

Would you like help getting your point across?

People are entitled to be in control of their own lives but sometimes, whether through frailty, disability, financial circumstances or social attitudes, they may find themselves in a position where their ability to exercise choice or represent their own interests is limited. In these circumstances advocacy can help ensure that an individual’s views and needs are heard, respected and acted upon.


In Darlington there are a number of advocacy services funded by Adult Social Care to support individuals to say what they want and to get the social care support that they need.


Advocacy Together

Advocacy Together is a service which is available to all individuals who have a physical or learning disability, mental health need or difficulties due to age or frailty, who are in contact with Adult Social Care in Darlington. They are also able to support family carers.

You can find more information on the Together for Mental Being website [external link]

 

Advocacy Together - Independent Mental Health Advocacy

People who are treated under the Mental Health Act now have the right to independent mental health advocacy (IMHA). This applies to hospital patients and those who are on a Supervised Community Treatment Order. In Darlington this service is provided by Advocacy Together.

You can find more information on the Together for Mental Being website [external link]

 

North Regional Association for Sensory Support (NRASS)

An advocacy service for people who are Deaf, Deafened, Hearing Impaired, Deafblind, Blind or Visually Impaired.

For more information you can contact NRASS:
Tel: 0191 4922035 (voice and answerphone)
Fax: 0191 4922143 (fax)
E-mail: office@northregions.org.uk

 

Skills for People - Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCA)

IMCA is advocacy for people who are unable to make decisions for themselves about medical treatment, or moving to a care home, and who have no family or friends to speak up for them. An IMCA can also support individuals in safeguarding cases or where there is a review of a Care Plan.

Further information can be found on the Skills for People website [external link]