An advocate is a spokesperson for a person who finds it hard to understand their care and support, or to speak up about it. The council must provide one if the person has no family or friends able to help and has certain difficulties, described below. To ask, contact the council’s social care services and ask about advocacy services.
This guide is for England. Rules can differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What does an advocate do?
An advocate speaks up for the person. Their main purpose is to make sure the person is heard.
- They help the person say what they want.
- They can write letters.
- They can go to meetings with the person.
- They can help the person challenge care decisions they disagree with.
How is an advocate independent?
An advocate is independent of social services and the NHS.
A paid carer cannot act as the person’s advocate.
Who can get an advocate from the council?
The council must provide an advocate when both of these are true:
- The person has no family or friends who are able to help.
- The person has difficulty with understanding and remembering information, communicating their views, or weighing up options.
Weighing up options includes understanding the pros and cons of each choice.
If a person might benefit from an advocate but has no legal right to one, they should still be given information about advocacy. If you are not sure whether the person qualifies, ask anyway.
How do I ask the council for an advocate?
Before you call, note which difficulties the person has. Also think about whether any family or friends are able to help.
Then contact the council’s social care services and ask about advocacy services.
You could say something like this:
- "I am asking about an independent advocate for [name]."
- "They find it hard to [understand information / remember information / say what they want / weigh up choices]."
- "They have no family or friends who are able to help."
- "Please tell me what happens next, and when I will hear from you."
Say clearly what decision is being made.
Only say that no one can help if it is true. If you are the one who can help, say so, and ask what support the person still needs.
Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke to and what they said. Follow up by email or letter so there is a record.
A person can also refer themselves directly to an independent advocacy organisation. These organisations are listed below.
What if the council says no?
You can still take these steps:
- Ask for the decision and the reason in writing.
- Check that the council knows about each difficulty the person has.
- Contact an independent advocacy organisation directly and ask for their advice.
- Write a complaint to the council. Carers UK offers a complaints letter template alongside its Being Heard guide.
Our rights and benefits guide explains more about what help you can ask for.
If the person has dementia
- Ask for an advocate early, before a meeting or a big decision.
- Ask for meetings at the time of day the person is at their best.
- Give the advocate time to get to know the person, and share what matters to them, such as routines and likes.
Who can help me find an advocate?
These organisations are named in the NHS guide to getting someone to speak up for you. Use that page to find their contact details.
- POhWER: a charity that helps people take part in decisions about their care. Its support centre gives advice by phone.
- The Advocacy People: an online form and a phone line for advice.
- VoiceAbility: an advice helpline and an online referral form.
- Age UK: reach them online or on 0800 055 6112. Local Age UK branches may have advocates, so check whether one covers your area.
Phone numbers and services can change, so check current details before you call.