Advocacy
Carers often feel that their opinions and ideas are not taken seriously, or that they are not always offered the opportunities and choices they would like. This can be difficult to deal with, especially when you need to communicate regularly with health and social care professionals.
Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes. Someone who helps you do this is your advocate. Our team of Carer Support Workers can provide you with advocacy support.
Situations where you might need advocacy support:
- Meetings with health and social care services, housing department, school etc.
- When there is a conflict between your needs and the needs of the person you care for.
- If you are unsure of your rights as a carer or what the person you care for is entitled to.
- When you are too exhausted to stand up for yourself
- If you are unhappy about a service or need support to help a professional understand what you or the person you care for needs.
- When you require support to navigating through the safeguarding process
Carer Support Worker’s will listen to your views and concerns. They can liaise with services on your behalf or accompany and support you in meetings or appointments with health and social care providers.
They will help you to:
- Ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are considered
- Access the information you need to make informed decisions
- Support you to contact relevant people or contact them on your behalf
- Explore your options and rights
They will not:
- Make judgements about you
- Give you their personal opinion
- Solve problems and make decisions for you
- Steer you in a particular direction
If you would like to discuss advocacy support, please contact the Centre on 0191 2496480 or email us at enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk.
Quote from carer
“Thank you so much for taking the time to support me at the meeting. Your input was much appreciated. I appreciate so much the wonderful help and assistance that the Carers’ Centre have given me and it will never be forgotten.”
