How advocacy can help you

About Advocacy

An advocate can help you tell people what you need and want. They can support you to make choices about the things that effect you, and help you take control of your life.

An advocate can help you:

• express what you think and what you want
• get information and services
• challenge a decision about you or make a complaint
• understand your options and rights
• write letters

Advocates don’t work for Adult Social Care or health services, and they won’t give their personal opinion. They're there to put across your wishes and decisions.

Advocacy is independent and free. It can help you with one issue at a time for a certain amount of time.

Where to get help

Sussex Advocacy is a partnership of seven organisations, led by The Advocacy People.

Sussex Advocacy can help if you:

• wish to make a complaint about the NHS - find out more about Independent Health Complaints Advocacy
• need advice about decisions being made about your care and support needs - find out more about Independent Care Act Advocacy
• need support with issues about health and social care services - known as Community Advocacy.
• are under section in a hospital, secure unit or in the community - find out more about Independent Mental Health Advocacy
• Lack capacity to make certain decisions about your health and social care - find out more about Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy

For some advocacy services you will need a referral from Adult Social Care or a health and social care professional. 

For more information and to ask for advocacy support, contact The Advocacy People 

The Advocacy People’s team will pass your details to the organisation within the partnership that can best support you.