Advocacy 1st

Advocacy 1st is a free, independent service provided by advocates who specialise in the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act.

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Advocates empower you to have a voice

Our advocates can help you understand your rights and make sure you are included in decisions about your care. We explain the options available to you to help you to make informed choices about your life. We can also assist you in speaking up about the care and treatment you receive.

Here are some of the ways we can help you

Care Act Advocacy

  • Free and confidential service for people over 18 years old
  • If you need help to make informed choices about your life
  • Make decisions about your care and support needs
  • Support with safeguarding issues
  • Your social worker can refer you to this service

Make a referral if you are a social worker or health professional

Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy

  • Advocacy for people over 16 years old
  • Support for people who lack capacity to make decisions about serious medical treatment or moving home
  • Support for people who do not have anyone appropriate to represent their views, wishes, feelings or beliefs

Make a referral if you are a social worker or health professional

Support with Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding (DoLS)

Help with understanding a Deprivation of Liberty authorisation

  • Help you to understand and exercise your rights.
  • Support family or friends in their role as Relevant Person’s Representative

Request a referral to this service

Health Complaints Advocacy

  • Help with making a complaint to the NHS
  • Free and confidential support
  • Our advocates are independent of the NHS
  • We support you in writing letters and at meetings

Request Health Complaints Advocacy for yourself or another person

Independent Mental Health Advocacy

  • Advocates are independent of mental health services
  • Support if you are detained under the Mental Health Act
  • Support to raise concerns about your care and treatment
  • Helping you to get your opinions heard and ensuring you know your legal rights

Request Independent Mental Health Advocacy for yourself or another person

Social Prescribing Link Worker

  • Working in the community to help improve your health and well-being
  • Helping people find local non-medical services
  • Connecting you to a wide range of community resources

Your GP can refer you to this service

Could you be a volunteer advocate?

Volunteer advocates for Advocacy 1st actively promote the rights, interests, and wellbeing of the people we support. Your work will ensure that individuals have a voice and are represented. You will help to bring positive change and address injustice.

If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer advocate at Community ConneX, please email the Advocacy 1st team: advocacy@communityconnex.co.uk or call: 0203 948 0597

I felt my voice was not being heard and I felt I had no control over the situation. My advocate helped me to understand information and to build up my confidence to say what I would like. I am happy with my outcome and so thankful for the support.

— DC

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Your donation could bring someone out of social isolation, help support autistic people, people with a learning disability, and their families. We also use your donations to provide disadvantaged children and young person with opportunities to develop themselves and grow.

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