What is Independent Advocacy?

Independent advocacy is a way to help you to make your voice stronger and to have as much control as possible over your own life. Advocacy Workers do not make decisions on your behalf and they will not put words in your mouth. Independent Advocacy will help you get the information you need to make good choices, and give you the help you need to express yourself clearly.

Independent Advocacy can help you in a number situations, including issues relating to :

Worker scribing for service user

Our Advocacy is Independent because we are not financially or organisationally dependent on anyone who provides any other type of service. Independent advocacy is there to help you decide what you want to say and then support you to say it. Independent advocates do not work for hospitals, doctors or social work services, and you do not have to pay for advocacy.

  • Marie
    Thank you for your support at the last meeting. It’s great having somebody independent in my corner: not sure what I would have done or where I would be otherwise.
    Marie
    Service User
  • Joanne
    I didn't know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.
    Joanne
    Service User
  • Thomas
    Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle! Can you do anything for Partick Thistle while you’re at it?
    Thomas
    Carer
  • Alecia
    It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.
    Alecia
    Social Work
  • David
    It's really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren't worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn't be ignored, and now things are starting to improve as a result.
    David
    Service User
  • Olivia
    Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!
    Olivia
    Carer
  • Derek
    After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.
    Derek
    Service User
  • Elizabeth
    I live quite a long distance away from my sister. When she needed to get some more support in place for her dementia, the information about local services and support that you were able to give me was invaluable. I can't thank you enough.
    Elizabeth
    Long-distance carer
  • Sandra & John
    Thanks for discussing things and then sending us some information in the post: we have now started the Power of Attorney process.
    Sandra & John
    Service User
  • Mark
    I am usually apprehensive about contacting organisations in fear of being passed pillar to post. I was delighted when I contacted Ceartas: although I didn’t need advocacy, you talked me through local services that I needed.
    Mark
    Information enquiry
  • Ashleigh
    Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.
    Ashleigh
    Carer
  • Alex
    When I call Ceartas everyone is always so kind and helpful. They are all a really good group of people.
    Alex
    Service User
  • Sarah
    Even a ten minute chat on the phone made me feel so much better. I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.
    Sarah
    Service User
  • Agnes
    I can pick up the phone and advocacy support is always there, ready to listen and help me understand things better.
    Agnes
    Service User
  • Richard
    I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.
    Richard
    Carer
  • George
    There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.
    George
    Service User