Barnsley advocacy service
c/o28 Albert EmbankmentLondon SE1 7GR View on map
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pmSat and Sun: Closed
The Barnsley advocacy service works with people who need support in making choices on the health care they receive.
Our expert advocates offer a range of services, all aimed at helping people to understand decisions that affect their treatment and support, and get the chance to have their views and wishes represented., heard and utilised when decisions are made about them.
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy
When someone is deemed to lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions according to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, we can support them to understand their situation and make choices about the next steps.
Paid Relevant Person's Representation
If a person is subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding authorisation in a hospital or care home, it means decisions are made about their care without their consent. If they have no appropriate family or friend willing to act as their formal representative, our advocacy team step in as a Paid Relevant Person’s Representative.
Independent Care Act Advocacy
The Care Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities to ensure someone is at the centre of decision making around their care and support needs. Where the person has no one to support them in these processes, a care act advocate will promote a person’s wellbeing and independence. They will be able to assist with:
- A needs assessment
- A carer’s assessment
- The preparation of a care and support or support plan
- A review of a care and support or support plan
- A safeguarding adult enquiry
- A safeguarding adult review
Independent Mental Health Advocacy
If someone is detained under the Mental Health Act in the Borough of Barnsley, or subject to a community treatment order or guardianship order, an advocate can explain their rights. If someone is accessing mental health services but are not on a section of the mental health act, they may still qualify for one of our other advocacy services.
Community Advocacy
A community advocate works with people who find it challenging to explain what they want to happen regarding their care, or needs help understanding the decisions being made around them. To qualify for community advocacy you must be aged 18+, live in the Borough of Barnsley and identify with one of the following:
- Mental health symptoms or diagnosis
- Physical or sensory disability
- Autism
- Learning disability
- An older person (65+)
What advocates can and can't do
An advocate can stand by you, and stand up for you, when important decisions are being made about your care, treatment and the way you live your life. They can help you understand your rights and options, and then support you in expressing your views and wishes to the relevant services. They can also speak up on your behalf if that’s what you want. People often work with an advocate when they’re going through some kind of assessment or review of their care or treatment.
What an advocate can help with
Get information and understand what it means
Explore your options and decide what you want
Contacting people, or contacting them for you
Express your feelings to others, or do this for you
Prepare for meetings, and support you at them
Stand up for your rights to get the services you need.
What an advocate can't do
Provide advice or emotional support
Make decisions for you without your input
Solve someone’s problems for them
Mediation
Provide care or home support
Agree with everything a person says.
Read more about our work
