Advocates
An advocate is someone who supports and represents you when dealing with issues to do with your:
- care and support
- medical treatment
- mental health needs
- housing
- money
- legal matters
An advocate could be a family member, carer or friend. You can also have an independent advocate, if there isn't anyone else.
Who needs an advocate
If you, or someone you care for, finds it hard to do any of the following, an advocate can help you:
- understand and remember important information
- use that information in daily life
- express views, wishes or feelings.
When you might need one
You might need an advocate when you meet with any of the following people:
- doctors
- social workers
- solicitors
- banks
- benefits advisers
- other professionals.
Independent advocate
An independent advocate is someone who will talk to you one-to-one and support you to voice your views and wishes, or express them on your behalf.
They can be:
- a relative
- a friend
- a neighbour
- a volunteer from an advocacy organisation
- Someone who is paid to be an independent advocate
What an independent advocate can't do
An independent advocate should not do any of the following:
- Offer you counselling
- Influence you to make a decision
- Make a decision for you
- Persuade you to do what other people want you to do
- Doubt what you say
- Speak for you when you want to speak for yourself
- Provide social support
Statutory advocates
If you don't have a friend or relative to represent you when making informed decisions, you're entitled to a statutory advocate.
The Advocacy People provide all statutory and agreed discretionary advocacy services for adults and eligible young people in Bath and North East Somerset.
You can refer yourself to some services provided by The Advocacy People, or someone can do it for you, you must give your consent. Other services need a referral from a health or social care professional.
You can also contact The Advocacy People for information or help with a referral via the chat function or contact us form on their website or by emailing info@theadvocacypeople.org.uk or calling 0330 440 9000. They also provide useful Easy Read documents and self-help information.
Last updated: 7 April 2026