What an advocate does
An advocate represents others, or assists others to represent themself. An advocate will take a person’s views forward, ensure that the person is kept fully informed and has the information they need to be able to make an informed decision or choice. Once a referral has been made, an advocate will visit the person, discuss the reason for referral to the service, inform them of what an advocate can and can’t do and, where and when requested, offer representation or support for the person to represent themself, if agreed. Once the residents views/wishes/needs are established, we take those forward, or assist them in taking them forward. Advocacy will continue until the issue is either resolved or we have exhausted all possibilities.
An advocate will listen, hear, respect and act with the resident in mind. The resident’s views/wishes/needs are first and last. An advocate puts her/his own values to one side, is non-judgemental and enables her/his advocacy partner to decide what is the right or wrong outcome for them.