Advocacy Support Cymru
Free
Welsh charity providing independent, confidential advocacy, including statutory mental health and mental capacity advocacy. Confirm the service in your area on the website.
Independent advocacy
I need someone to help me be heard
In some situations you have a legal right to an advocate. Advocacy is usually commissioned by your local council or health body, so the provider depends on where you live.
What to do first
- You may have a legal right to an independent advocate in some situations, including certain social care assessments (Care Act advocacy in England), if you are detained under the Mental Health Act (IMHA), or if you lack capacity to make certain decisions and have no appropriate family or friend (IMCA).
- Advocacy organisations are usually commissioned locally. A national name on this site may or may not cover your area — always check.
- Scope's guide to finding an advocate suggests searching your local council website for 'advocacy', or asking Citizens Advice.
- An advocate is not usually a solicitor and will not normally represent you in court in the way a lawyer would. If you need legal representation, use the other pathways as well.
This is information, not legal advice. Rules and deadlines change. Confirm with an adviser and official sources before you act.
Listings that may help
Cloverleaf Advocacy
Free
Independent advocacy charity providing free, confidential advocacy for adults and carers in contracted areas of Yorkshire and nearby. Confirm your area on the website.
Independent advocacy
NYAS
Free
National Youth Advocacy Service, providing advocacy for children and young people, including care-experienced young people, in areas where it holds a contract. Use their advocacy search to check your area.
Independent advocacy
POhWER
Free
Independent charity providing free advocacy, information and advice in many parts of England, including statutory advocacy such as IMHA, IMCA, Care Act and NHS complaints advocacy. Check whether they hold the contract in your local area.
Independent advocacy
The Advocacy People
Free
Independent advocacy charity. Check the website for the services and areas they currently cover, as advocacy contracts change.
Independent advocacy
The Advocacy Project
Free
Independent advocacy organisation working in parts of London. Confirm current services and borough coverage on the website.
Independent advocacy
VoiceAbility
Free
Independent charity and one of the UK's larger advocacy providers, with services in many parts of England and some areas of Scotland. Use the area checker on their website; if they do not cover your area, they signpost to the local provider.
Independent advocacy