The WordsWorth Independent Advocacy Service operates according to current Department of Health guidelines.

• To help safeguard the rights of service users – both rights under mental health policy and law and rights as citizens
• To empower service users to make informed decisions about their care and treatment and to take greater control over their lives
• To support service users to get their views heard
• To represent the views of service users as if they were their own, if the service user wishes it
• To support service users in seeking resolution to issues which concern them
• To protect service users who are particularly vulnerable for reasons of their illness or lack of capacity to make informed decisions
• To feedback issues raised by service users to those providing and commissioning services so that services can be constantly improved.

• when and how the advocacy service can be contacted
• they can have a choice of advocate
• they can change their advocate or stop contact with the service at any time
• they can see an advocate privately and talk in confidence to them except when staff have to be present for reasons of safety or security
• they have a right to be present when an advocate discusses them with staff or a third party 
• they can ask advocates to take time out of meetings to talk in private, or out of the hearing of staff if they have to be observed for reasons of security
• they can make a complaint about an advocate
• they can access their advocacy records.

• Only act or speak on behalf of a service user if s/he wishes it
• Listen to service users but endeavour not impose their own views or try to influence
• Discuss options with service users providing full and balanced information to enable then to make decisions and choices
• Help service users access the information they need but should not offer advice
• Make no assumptions based on their own perceptions about what service users mean
• Do not make decisions or choices on behalf of service users
• Do what the service users wishes them to do and not what they think is best for him/her
• Do not act as mediator by assuming power to deal with a service user’s affairs unless this has been agreed in writing in an advance directive
• Represent a user’s views at formal mental health meetings but should not replace the role of a legal representative.

• At all times our advocates should act ethically, honestly and courteously, treating service users with respect.   Advocates should work within the law at all times.
• Where a patient is under supervision, then the advocate will remind the nurse/HCA that this is a confidential meeting and anything overheard will remain in the room, unless H&S applies.
• Advocates should keep all the information they have about a service user confidential except where a user threatens harm to themselves or others. 
• Advocates should not disclose information about a service user to others without that person’s express permission. 
• Advocates should not express opinions about a service user to other parties at any time.
• Advocates must not hold money or valuables belonging to service users, unless the advocate gives the user a proper receipt and makes a verifiable record of the transaction.
• Advocates should accept only small and inexpensive gifts from service users and explain to service users why this is so.
• Advocates should be clear about the limitations of their role.

1. Our advocates behave appropriately and professionally. 
2. Advocates do not represent two service users, or a service user and their carer, where there may be a conflict of interest.   
3. Our advocates receive ongoing training as and when necessary in order to keep up to date with current practice and legal changes.
4. Advocates provide regular feedback to staff while maintaining the confidentiality of service users.

WordsWorth Independent Advocacy Service

Email: WordsWorth Independent Advocacy Service

Telephone or Text: 07816 054 723

Helping You to Help Yourself

Copyright © 2008, WordsWorth Independent Advocacy Service. All rights reserved.