What is advocacy?

What is an advocate?

An advocate is someone else who can support/help you to express your views and wishes. They can do many things from helping you have your voice heard, to attending meetings/appointments to support you.

What can they help me with?

• Having your voice heard
• Attending meetings on your behalf
• Will represent you and your views
• Come with you and support you at important meeting or appointments
• Help you to explore your options
• Help you to know your rights
• Help you to make informed decisions by providing all the information you need and to help you fully understand it
• Help you contact relevant people or contact them on your behalf

Where can I find someone to support me in Surrey?

Health Service Advocacy:

• Health Watch Surrey
• VoiceAbility

Social / Care Service Advocacy:

• Kingston Advocacy Group
• Coram Voice

Mental Health Service Advocacy:

• Matrix SDT
• Emerge Advocacy

Additional Needs & Disabilities Service Advocacy:

• Voice Ability
• Advocacy in Surrey

Where can I find someone to support me Nationally?

Health Service Advocacy:

• The Advocacy Service

Social/ Care Service Advocacy:

• National Youth Advocacy Service
• Coram Voice

Mental Health Service Advocacy:

• Rethink
• POhWER

Additional Needs & Disabilities Service Advocacy:

• POhWER
• VoiceAbility