Community Advocacy

This service operates across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire and provides free, independent and confidential support to adults who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. Support is provided by a skilled and experienced team of paid and volunteer advocates. Advocates work alongside individuals in a supportive and empowering partnership.

Could an advocate help you?

If you are an adult facing disadvantage or vulnerable and you can answer yes to some of the questions below then an advocate could be a good option for you:

• Do you find it difficult to get your views across to other people?
• Does it feel like people are making decisions about you but not in consultation with you?
• Does it feel difficult to speak and say how you feel in meetings?
• Are you unhappy with a service or an organisation and feel you need support to speak to someone or make a complaint?
• Is it difficult to consider options and make decisions because you are under stress or in difficult circumstances?

The aims and objectives of each partnership will be unique but will focus on ensuring that:

• the person's voice and views are heard
• they have access to information and professional advice and guidance
• they have support to consider options, make decisions and act on information and advice
• they are afforded fair and equal treatment

This type of advocacy is not based on a legal right and therefore availability depends on the level of funding local authorities are able to provide. This can mean that there may be a waiting list and unfortunately we are not always able to help everyone who requests support. Please do not let that you deter you from contacting our Gateway Team who will do everything they can to help you and if necessary to put you in touch with someone else who may be able to help.

Getting in Touch

If you feel an advocate could be helpful for you or someone you know then you can get in touch directly with our Gateway team on 01905 27525 or gateway@onside-advocacy.org.uk.  They will explain more about our services and discuss your specific situation.

If advocacy seems to be an appropriate option then they will arrange for one of the advocacy team to contact you. They may also be able to provide you with information on other options for support from other agencies.