People are entitled to be in control of their own lives but sometimes, whether through frailty, disability, financial circumstances or social attitudes, they may find themselves in a position where their ability to exercise choice or represent their own interests is limited.
In these circumstances advocates can help ensure that an individual’s views and needs are heard, respected and acted upon.
SIAS has developed its Advocacy service by integrating the 10 principles of the Advocacy Charter throughout the entire organisation. From Trustees to Advocates; and from Volunteers to Support Staff; and finaly within the Management Executive and the Service User Committee.
Independence ~ Empowerment ~ Accountability ~ Supporting Advocates ~ Complaints
Clarity of Purpose ~ Putting People First ~ Equal Opportunity ~ Accessibility ~ Confidentiality
What Is Advocacy?
“Advocacy is taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need”. Action for Advocacy
How Does Advocacy Work?
Advocates work in partnership with the people they support and ensure that their views, opinions and concerns are heard and respected.
Why Is Advocacy Needed?
Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and non-judgmental support.
What Do Advocates Do?
They ensure that an individual’s views, opinions and concerns are heard and respected and will empower an individual throughout their recovery journey.
How Does Advocacy Work?
An advocate will:
Spend time with individuals listening to their views, opinions and concerns.
Work within a strict policy of confidentiality, on behalf of individuals.
Attend various types of meetings and appointments with individuals.
Represent individual’s views, opinions and/or concerns when requested.
Support individuals to speak for themselves, whenever they wish to.
Speak on behalf of an individual, when requested to do so.
Feed back information to individuals on any relevant information.
Provide information so that individuals can make informed choices.
PLUS MUCH MORE...
Q, Does SIAS’s Advocacy Cost Anything?
A, No, it’s a FREE service to all adults experiencing mental health difficulties.
Q, Is Information Passed On To Anywhere Else?
A, No, it’s a CONFIDENTIAL service.
Q, Is SIAS Part Of the NHS?
A, No, it’s an INDEPENDENT non-profit making charity.
Q, Where Do SIAS Provide Their Service?
A, Anywhere within the county of Shropshire, and the Borough of Telford & Wrekin; this could be in an........... 
individual’s home or in a hospital - our Advocates come to you or to a specified meeting or appointment with, or on behalf of, you.
Q, What Type Of Meetings Or Appointments?
Q, What Else Can SIAS Do?
A, Give assistance with making a complaint, financial, debt and employment guidance. Provide information on legal representation. Seek medication explanations and related issues.Become involved with mental health treatment issues.Provide independent information as and when requested. Explain and support with the rights for application for discharge.
PLUS MUCH MORE...
