How to Contact us

Independent Advocacy
90 Tay Street
Perth PH2 8NP

Tel: 01738 587 887

What is Independent Advocacy?

Independent advocacy aims to help people by supporting them to express their own needs and make their own informed decisions. Independent advocates support people to gain access to information and explore and understand their options. They speak on behalf of people who are unable to speak for themselves, or choose not to do so. They safeguard people who are vulnerable or discriminated against or whom services find difficult to support.

Advocacy is about broadening horizons and widening the options that people have. Advocacy is important to ensure justice, equality and fairness.
(Principles and Standards for Independent Advocacy, 2008. The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance)

Many of us find it difficult, at times, to get our voice heard about decisions or actions that affect our lives. Some people have family, friends or other carers to help them to speak up. Others do not have people in their lives to do that, and sometimes, if they do, family members may have their own ideas about ‘what is best’ for the person involved. Paid carers may have a duty to defend the actions of the organisation that they work for. This means that they have a ‘conflict of interest’. Independent advocacy is as free as possible from conflicts of interest like these, is completely separate from service providers and funders and does not provide services other than advocacy.

Some examples of the ways we can help are:

• Help to prepare for and attend meetings/speak on your behalf.
• Can help write letters/make phone calls and source information for you.
• Help to identify what options you have and support you in pursuing them.
• Make sure that your voice and views are heard.
• Treat you as an individual and listen to you only.