A Guide to Advocacy Support
About Advocacy
Advocacy is free, confidential, and independent from other health and social care services.
Advocacy helps you to understand your rights and have your say. Advocates will stand with you to help you be heard when it comes to the decisions that affect you.
People First - an independent advocacy charity - can support people that live in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland council areas.
Independent Care Act Advocacy
If you are going through a carer’s assessment, you may be entitled to a Care Act Advocate. This service is for anyone who would have difficulty engaging in the process and has no one else who is willing, or able, to support them to be involved. Full eligibility can be found in People First's good-to-know guide below.
A Care Act Advocate can:
- Support you to understand the assessment process
- Help you explore your options
- Enable you to be meaningfully involved
- Ensure the council listens to your views and understands your needs
People are usually referred for Care Act Advocacy by their local council. This is because it is a statutory service. If you feel you are eligible, please contact your social worker or local Adult Social Care office and ask to be referred for Care Act Advocacy. If you have tried to contact your social worker or local office and have had difficulty, please contact People First directly, and they can help you.
Website link: Care Act Advocacy - People First
General advocacy
If you don’t meet the criteria for a Care Act Advocate, there is a general advocacy service.
General advocacy supports people across various areas, including
health,
family issues
social care
wider wellbeing
It helps you navigate services, make complaints, or resolve disputes, and ensures your voice is heard.
You can submit a referral yourself or get someone to help you.
Website link: General Advocacy - People First
Contact Details
To make a referral, or to discuss whether advocacy is the right support, individuals are encouraged to get in touch with People First:
Call: 03003 038 037
Email: hub@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk
Live chat: wearepeoplefirst.co.uk
What Advocacy Means to Carers
One carer shared their experience of having an advocate:
“There was a huge sense of relief that I had backup from somebody that knew the system and that I didn't have to fight it alone, which took time I did not have and needed to give to my husband. Advocacy gave me another perspective for ideas that would help me, which in turn helped my husband. My feelings were not dismissed, and I did not feel so alone.”
Teesside Mind also offers advocacy services, with all referrals made through People First.
You can find out more about advocacy support from Teesside Mind on their website, including information about arranging advocacy for someone you care for. Advocacy
If you would prefer to receive support from Teesside Mind, you can request this when making your referral.
Advocacy can make a real difference to you as a carer — helping to ensure you are seen, heard, and supported in the decisions that matter most.