Advocacy means speaking up. Sometimes in life we can do this for ourselves quite easily, at other times it can be more of a challenge. Perhaps we are not feeling at our most confident, facing life-changing decisions, illness, or just don’t know who to ask or what our choices may be. At times like these it can help to have an Advocate, someone who can help us find and understand the information we require and be there to support us when we need to speak up and be listened to.
 
Advocates empower people, giving them back control by:

• listening, not judging and taking people seriously
• providing relevant information, support and resources to make choices
• using plain English
• being accessible to people
• encouraging them to speak out
• being on their side

Our service benefits people Lancashire wide, particularly those who
are disadvantaged by society and need independent support to make their
views heard.

Advocacy Focus delivers a range of projects to support people in having a voice.

  
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy Service (IMHA)
• Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
• Independent Care Act (ICAA)
• NHS and Social Care Complaints