Pass it on about the Advocacy People

HAVE you ever listened carefully to a friend or relative when they’ve been dealing with a difficult situation? Have you helped someone find the information they needed, or supported them to work out what they wanted to do next? Maybe you helped them decide what they wanted to say, or even spoke up on their behalf?

If you’ve answered yes, you already know advocacy – but you may not be that familiar with the word! Every day, professional advocates are helping people to have their voices heard.

We make sure that people’s wishes are known and considered when important decisions are being made, particularly about their health and social care.

Advocacy is there for many people when they most need someone alongside them – when through disability, mental or physical illness, injury, or their young or old age, they may find it difficult to speak up for themselves. It’s there to support some of the most vulnerable people: those who don’t have friends or family to represent their views.

Advocacy is a free and independent service that protects people’s basic rights. Please, today, ask your friends and family if they know about advocacy. And if they don’t – pass the word on!

Matthew Hilton Chief executive, The Advocacy People

www.theadvocacypeople.org.uk