Carers Advocacy Project

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Advocacy means supporting someone to express their views about their situation.

Carers often find that they spend so much time in their caring role that they do not have any time left for themselves. Often, carers can find it difficult to have their voice heard by others, and this can leave them in a situation where their needs are not taken into account.

An advocate can help by being an extra voice for the carer, or they can give the extra support that lets you speak out for yourself. The advocate will listen to you, explain any information provided to you and help you to know your rights.

Anything you discuss with the advocacy project will be treated as confidential. An advocate will respect your rights and wishes at all times and will only speak to anyone on your behalf with your permission. The service is free to all carers, so it won't cost you anything and may even save you time and worry.

There are many things an advocate can help you with however the first thing an advocate will do is listen to you. The advocate can then:

• work alongside you to support you in finding options and the best possible outcome to your situation
• help you to write letters or make phone calls on your behalf, and
• come to meetings or reviews with you and, if you wish, speak out on your behalf.

Some areas the advocate can help with are:

• social work services
• housing
• GP services
• your rights as a carer
• how to take a complaint forward, and
• accessing medical records

For more information:

• email: centre@renfrewshirecarers.co.uk
• phone: 0141 887 3643
• write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Carers Centre
  Unit 55, Abbey Mill Business Centre
  Embroidery Mill
  Seedhill
  Paisley PA1 1TJ

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