We provide a culturally sensitive advocacy service to our users. Due to their age they may suffer physical and mental health problems and need support of an advocate. Our service users of this scheme are mainly of African-Caribbean origin, many suffer from bad mobility, sensory problems or mental health problems like dementia.
The service is a valuable resource to our service users and the community, the support of the advocates makes sure that service users attend appointments and that their voice is heard when a decision is to be made about them. It involves helping the service user to make their own choices, enabling them to know their rights and to support the service user by helping them to speak up for themselves with help.
The support provided by the advocate makes the user feel more confident of coping with the different challenges at this point in their life. This is likely to result in the user feeling happier and less prone to illness, additionally it also provides respite for carers.
An Advocate is a representative, but they may take on many roles:
- Speaking on behalf of their service user.
- Making sure their service users rights are not being compromised, neglected or abused.
- Watching out for their situation when they may be at risk.
- Write correspondence letters to friends and relatives.
We only introduce people to possible Advocates after careful consideration, taking into account the clients needs and wishes, shared interests, where the two people live and what sort of advocate the person will need.
If you require this service please contact:
Project Worker
Leeds Black Elders,
180 Chapeltown Road, LEEDS LS7 4HP
Telephone: (0113) 2374332
Fax: (0113) 2374313
