The role of an advocate is to speak on behalf of another person if it is too difficult or challenging for them to do so on their own behalf.

Advocacy can be suitable when :

• you are meeting with your doctor or teacher, Social Worker or parent
• writing emails/letters to these people
• filling out forms about your care or benefits

Situations when you may find an advocate useful can include :

• when you need to prepare for a meeting, an advocate can help you to research and prepare what you want to say
• when you have an important meeting and would like some support to express your views in the meeting, an advocate can be there with you
• after a meeting, an advocate can support and assist you in taking the next steps

• times of conflict – arguments with someone in your life.  An advocate can help you in resolving the situation

What an advocate doesn’t do

When using an advocate, it is important to make the right decisions for you.  An advocate doesn’t:

• do anything without your full consent
• tell you what you should do
  
• raise your expectations unrealistically
• act in any way against your best interests

Scenarios

Jack (15) is looking at the prospect of studying at art college after he leaves school.  Because Jack has a learning disability, his teacher doesn’t think he is capable of doing this, even though he has shown his talent in his final years at school.  There is a meeting coming up to discuss the best way forward for Jack, and he has requested an advocate to support him to express his views during the meeting.

Phillipa (19) is currently living with her parents but is keen to move into her own place.  As Phillipa has arthritis, she needs an adapted house which she is unable to pay for.  She needs to contact the council to arrange assessments for council housing and has asked for an advocate to help her.  Together they are able to fill in the appropriate forms and attend meetings with the council and Housing Associations.