Advocacy Services
During 2010/11 our Advocacy Services worked with 387 clients and provided a variety of different advocacy schemes. In South Gloucestershire we provided an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service, including advocacy around the deprivation of liberty safeguards process. We also provided an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) service alongside a generic mental health advocacy service. In Bristol we provided a drugs advocacy service. We also provided a complaints advocacy service for clients in Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Advocacy Services at The Care Forum received the Quality Performance Mark (QPM) and IMCA Specific Review (ISR) for 3 years which is the maximum length possible. To date only 15 advocacy organisations have been awarded the ISR. This was a glowing endorsement of the quality of our service, and demonstrates the benefit of advocacy to our clients. Action for Advocacy – Quality Performance Mark is currently the only national quality assurance system that is advocacy specific.
The IMCA and IMHA advocacy services are required by statute. The other services arise from identified need and are the result of good practice. We recruit and train volunteers to work alongside paid staff in the non statutory advocacy services. Most of our advocacy (except IMCA advocacy) will be on behalf of people who can provide instructions to us. In these cases advocates are only involved in the advocacy process at the invitation of their client. Therefore, the advocate’s role is to support the client in identifying issues and outcomes and seeking a resolution. The client will lead this process. This process is in itself empowering.
Advocacy can help clients make powerful changes to their lives. The impact that our advocacy services can make to clients' lives is shown by the feedback that we receive, including the following client quotes and case studies:
“I’m not using drugs now. I felt safe and supported by my advocate – an excellent service.”
“I am now definitely receiving a better service (fine waived) and am finding it easier to cope with things. (My advocate) is better at reading and writing than me, and was fantastic.”
“(My advocate) did an excellent job; I now have peace of mind.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to resolve this without my advocates. A home visit helped enormously. My problem with neighbours and the housing association has now been resolved. I can now use the communal garden.”
“As a result of advocacy I have been able to return to work.”
“(Advocacy) really did help me. It was so useful to have back up. As a result I received letters of apology.”
One client had no benefits. Advocacy helped obtain assessments and as a result backdated payments and a steady minor income, leaving the client feeling more empowered and better able to cope:
“(Advocacy) made the world of difference – helpful professional conscientiousness provided at a level that doesn’t disempower.”
“(My advocate) knew the law. (The) argument was about which agency was going ‘to pay’ for me."
“I now have carers who suit me.”
"(My advocate) got me things I didn’t know I was entitled to.”
Advocacy helped one client with a dual diagnosis seek a more suitable placement and the independence he desired, whilst also seeking financial reimbursement.
Advocacy discovered and alerted a safeguarding situation.
An assessment of incapacity was successful challenged and the client was discharged.
been able to return
to work.”