Advocacy services in Harrow for clients of adults social services

Having someone to speak on your behalf is often known as advocacy.

Advocacy means having someone who will express your views and wishes, secure your rights and represent your interests. It safeguards people who are vulnerable by speaking up for them. It enables people with physical or learning disabilities, older people and those with mental health needs to make informed choices and decisions about their own health and social care.

Advocacy is completely independent from the organisations that provide social care services. Advocates act only according to the wishes of the person they are speaking for. They do not take their own view of what is best, or try to influence the person to make a different choice.

Harrow Council maintains a searchable database with details of voluntary agencies who help people with mental health problems, physical and/or sensory disabilities, learning disabilities, older people, people with HIV/AIDS and people with drug and alcohol problems and their carers. This is called the Harrow Shop4Support and can be accessed at www.shop4support.com/harrow.

Do you use health, community or social services? and are you having problems getting your needs met or your voice heard?

All the following agencies can be contacted directly:

• Advocacy Voice
  Citizen advocacy and befriending service for people with learning disabilities who live within the borough of Harrow.
• Age UK Harrow
  Age UK can offer advice, information and support to older people in the community (over the age of 65).  Their aim is to help older people access the highest level of services to which they may be entitled.
• Harrow Association of Disabled People (HAD)
  HAD provides a comprehensive advocacy service for people with all disabilities.  This service is available to any disabled person who lives in, works or studies in Harrow.
• Harrow Carers
  This project aims to meet the needs of carers by supporting them on an individual basis with regard to any problems or difficulties associated with the person for whom they care.
• Loud and Clear Mental Health Advocacy Service
  A mental health advocacy service led by service users. The organisation also offers regular drop-in sessions in both hospital and community settings.
• MENCAP (Harrow)
  Harrow MENCAP represents people with learning disabilities in Harrow by creating opportunities for personal development, choice and empowerment.