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Scotland’s Carers Strategy recognises carers as equal partners in the provision of care. But what does this mean? The Coalition of Carers in Scotland is asking carers to take part in a Scotland wide survey (ends June 2012), capturing instances of discrimination, harassment or inequality involving carers.
Advocacy for carers
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy means supporting someone in expressing their views and feelings about their situation.
Why is Advocacy needed?
Often carers find themselves in situations where their wishes and needs are not being taken into account. It can sometimes take all their time and energy to get what they want for the person they are caring for, leaving them with little for themselves. An advocate can support the carer in making sure that the carers needs and wishes are taken into account. An advocate can be an extra voice if you want them to be. Or they can give you the extra support that enables you speak out for yourself.
Who are the Advocates?
The Carers Advocacy Service recruits and trains carers and former carers as advocates. All the advocates are volunteers. They will have passed a selection interview and attended an extensive training programme. They all receive regular supervision.
How could an Advocate help me?
The first thing an advocate will do is listen to you and what you have to say about your situation. They will try to understand your situation from your point of view. The advocate can then:
- work alongside you to support you in finding the best possible outcome to your situation
- help you to find things out
- help you to write letters or make phone calls on your behalf
- come to meetings with you and, if you want them to, they can speak on your behalf.
Advocates are not there to tell you what to do, they are there to support you in your choices and decisions.
How confidential is the service?
Anything that you tell anyone within the Advocacy Service will be treated as confidential. An advocate will only speak to anyone on your behalf if they have your permission.
How can I get an Advocate?
All you need to do is contact the Carers Advocacy and Counselling Service. We will arrange for you to meet with an advocate, at a convenient time to you, to find out about your current situation. After this it is up to you and the advocate to decide what needs to be done and how.
Will it cost me anything?
The service is free to all carers so it won't cost you anything and may save you time and worry. We might even be able to help with travel and sitter costs.
If you feel that speaking to an advocate may help, or you would like more information, contact Carers Advocacy Service, VOCAL Carers Centre, 8-13 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW, T. 0131 622 7625, E advocacy@vocal.org.uk.
If you phone and no one is available to take your call please leave a message on the answerphone and we will call you back at the earliest opportunity. The Carers Advocacy Service welcomes comments on any aspects of its service. A copy of our Comments and Complaints Procedure is available on request.
