People are entitled to the following rights:

• to make choices about their lives
• to receive the social and health services they need
• to be informed about their rights
• to enjoy opportunities in leisure, education, training and employment
• to be different and not to suffer discrimination
• to make a complaint when something goes wrong

Advocacy is a way of protecting and asserting your rights. Advocacy is founded on the belief that people are of equal value regardless of ability, wealth or status and are therefore entitled to equal rights.

An advocate can help you with a number of things including:

• family problems
• housing issues
• financial matters
• case reviews
• complaints about services

 What an advocate can offer you:

• listen to you
• help you to plan any action you need, or wish, to take
• support you with presenting your views and opinions to agencies, statutory bodies as well as to carers and family members
• write letters and make telephone calls with you, or for, you
• ensure your views are heard by attending meetings/reviews with you
• obtain information for you, or put you in touch with someone else who can do this
• spend time with you preparing for meetings
• promote self-advocacy by improving your communication with others
• find out what your rights are

If you think the advocacy service would be able to help you, please use the contact details below to arrange a private and confidential appointment:

For adults: Bournemouth Care Direct on tel: 01202 454979 or email caredirect@bournemouth.gov.uk.

For children: National Youth Advocacy Service on 0800 616101