Advocacy

What is advocacy?

Advocacy ensures people are able to:

have their voice heard on issues that are important to them
defend and safeguard their rights
have their views and wishes genuinely considered when decisions are being made about their lives.

Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to:

express their views and concerns
access information and services
defend and promote their rights and responsibilities
explore choices and options.

What advocacy services are available?

Advocacy services are provided by organisations that are completely independent from the Council and the NHS.

VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility Bradford supports adults who may have mental health issues, learning disabilities, dementia, acquired brain injury or other disability. They also work in some cases with children and with family carers.

VoiceAbility Bradford offers the following kinds of advocacy:

Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and Paid Representatives
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
Care Act Advocacy including Care Act Advocacy in Prison

Telephone: 0300 303 1600
Email: helpline@voiceability.org
Website: Voiceability website
Twitter: @voiceability

You need a referral to access this service Voiceability Referral.

Vital

Vital provides advocacy support to anyone living in the Bradford District who wants to make a complaint about an NHS provided or funded service anywhere in the UK.

Telephone: 01274 770118
Email: hello@vitalprojects.org.uk
Website: www.vitalprojects.org.uk
Twitter: @vitalprojects18

You do not need a referral for this service.

Self and group advocacy

'Self Advocacy' is about taking control of decisions about yourself and telling others what you want.

Equality Together

Equality Together hosts several User Groups and Forums. You can come to these groups and meet other people who also want their voice to be heard. 1-2-1 Peer Support is also available.

Telephone: 01274 594173
Email: enquiry@equalitytogether.org.uk
Website: equalitytogether.org.uk/get-support/self-group-advocacy/

Bradford People First

Bradford People First is a self-advocacy group run by and for people with learning disabilities within the Bradford District. This service is aimed at people over 18 with learning disabilities.

Telephone: 01274 744151
Email: office@bradfordpeoplefirst.co.uk
Website: www.bradfordpeoplefirst.org.uk