Age UK Wigan BoroughAdvocacy

What does it do?The purpose of the Advocacy Service is to help people say what they want, secure their rights and represent their interests. It aims to empower people to make effective choices about their lives and ensure that they are given the same respect, dignity and consideration that all members of society should expect.

We can provide information and support regarding various issues for example; debt, housing, health care, employment, family issues etc. The Advocates cannot advise people on what they should do; however, they will look at the options and choices available and support them in those choices.

We can help people by;

Clarifying and representing their own views and wishes accurately
Assisting in expressing their own views effectively
Providing information to enable informed choices
Challenging decisions/outcomes

Who it is for: The service is available to people aged 60
Where it is available: Local service covering: Wigan (Greater Manchester).
What it costs: The service is free of charge
How to access or apply for it: The service can be accessed through Age UK Wigan Borough Starting Point Service via self referral or through a representative i.e. family member, friend, carer or Organisation. We aim to make initial contact with the service user/ representative within 5 working days of receiving the referral. For further information regarding the “Help to be Heard” Advocacy Service contact: Sharon Seaton Advocacy Co-Ordinator 01942 615897 Anne Fairbairn Advocacy Worker 01942 615885 Or to make a referral to the Service contact Starting Point @ Age UK Wigan Borough 01942 826079 Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm (Answer machine facility available at all other times)
Classification(s): Casework, advocacy & support, Advocacy
Info last updated: 27/07/2011.