If you find it difficult to arrange your own care or to represent yourself, you can ask someone to help with making decisions and talk to us for you.
If someone speaks or acts on your behalf when arranging or managing your care, this is called advocacy. You can choose your own advocate or we can provide one for you. They will:
- help you make decisions about your life
- speak out about issues that matter to you
- protect your rights
If you think you need advocacy, use our Contact Care Direct online form so we can suggest the best organisation for you.
Advocates you know
Someone you already know can support you to get your voice heard in a range of situations. Your advocate could be:
- a family member
- a friend
- someone from your community
- a member of a faith group
Who can use our advocates
We can provide more formal advocacy for adults where you or your carer find it difficult to get care and support services. This could be because you have:
- learning difficulties
- mental health problems
- physical disabilities
- sensory impairment
If you're involved in a safeguarding adults enquiry or review we can also provide advocates.
When you may need an advocate
- when we're assessing or reviewing your care needs
- if a service is withdrawn or reduced
- if you have a disagreement with us
- if you have a disagreement with your carer
- when you're discharged from, or admitted to, a home or day centre
- if you want to make a complaint to us about social care or a complaint about an NHS funded health service
Advocacy service
Contact POhWER, if you need an advocacy service.
PohWER is a charity we have commissioned to offer all types of advocacy for people in Bristol.
Visit POhWer: Our Services for information on how they can help you or someone you care for.
Other advocacy providers
You may also be able to receive advice about advocacy from other providers:
- Advocacy services on NHS Choices
- The Care Forum Advocacy Services
- Care and support and you on GOV.UK
- Your Say Advocacy Service
- Advocacy from WECIL
Engagement and consultation
We will be regularly reviewing PohWER. We will provide opportunities for service users, carers, their support networks, and staff to contribute to these reviews.