What does an advocate do?

What is advocacy?

An advocate is someone who supports another person to express their views and wishes. Someone might not be able to fully express their opinion or views on a serious matter to do with their wellbeing, health, or living arrangements. This could be due to mental illness, disability, language barrier, cultural differences. Therefore this person would seek advocacy or an advocate to be their voice and make sure that their choices are heard.

What does an advocate do?

It all depends on the support a person needs and their situation. But generally, an advocate is there to support a person. To ensure they fully understand an important issue in their lives, and to make sure their choices and views on this issue are heard.

An advocate can:

• listen to a persons views and concerns
• provide information to help someone make informed decisions
• help someone explore their options and rights available to them
• support someone in meetings or appointments

An advocate will not:

• solve your problems and make decisions for you
• make judgements of you
• give their personal opnioin on your situatuion or circumstance

How can an advocate help?

An advocate helps by listening to you. They genuinely understand your concerns and provide you with information and guidance, to help you explore your options. An advocate gives an impartial, nonjudgemental view and supports you in making a choice, and making sure that choice is heard. An advocate works independently from any local authority or health and social care practice.

What is the Devon Advocacy Consortium?

In some circumstances, you may be legally entitled to a professional advocate. Advocacy is for someone who is vulnerable, who might lack the capacity to make important decisions. Or not have someone appropriate to consult with on important decisions. Here at Living Options Devon we’re part of the Devon Advocacy Consortium (DAC). DAC is a partnership of six charitable organisations that each specialise in their own area, working together to provide free and independent advocacy services across Devon and Torbay.

You can find out more about the Devon Advocacy Consortium on the DAC website.

In some circumstances, you may be legally entitled to a professional advocate. Advocacy is for someone who is vulnerable, who might lack the capacity to make important decisions. Or not have someone appropriate to consult with on important decisions. Here at Living Options Devon we’re part of the Devon Advocacy Consortium (DAC). DAC is a partnership of six charitable organisations that each specialise in their own area, working together to provide free and independent advocacy services across Devon and Torbay.