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Independent advocacy

Independent advocacy supports people so that they can express their own views and wishes and make informed decisions. 

It helps adults, children, young people and their families access information, advises them of their rights and explores the options available to them. Advocacy can let people take more responsibility and control of the decisions that affect their lives.

South Lanarkshire has a number of advocacy projects:

  • The Advocacy Project - for older people and people affected by mental health. Cumbrae House, Glasgow, G5 9JP. Phone 0141 420 0961, textphone 0141 420 0989 or email enquiries@theadvocacyproject.org.uk
  • Speak-Out - for adults with a learning disability. Hamilton Business Centre, 194 Quarry Street, Hamilton, ML3 6QR. Phone 01698 283228 or email info@speak-out.org.uk
  • People First (Scotland) - for people with learning difficulties. 77-79 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5PW. Phone 0131 470 7707, local office 01698 452830 or email peoplefirst1@btconnect.com
  • PAMIS - for carers and families of children or adults with profound learning disability. Head Office, Springfield House, 15/16 Springfield, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4JE. Phone 01382 38154 or email pamis@dundee.ac.uk Local office, 42 Campbell Street, Hamilton, ML3 6AS. Phone 01698 420411
  • Partners in Advocacy (a new national service) provide advocacy to children as a result of changes in the law (Implementation of Section 122 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011. Glasgow-Offices 1 & 2 Strathclyde Business Centre, 120 Carstairs Road, Dalmarnock. Phone 0141 847 0660 or email hearings@partnersinadvocacy.org.uk

People First have published a Framework on Supported Decision Making along with a Report "Does it Matter?.  To read more about both these documents please visit the People First website.

PAMIS new leaflet describing the services they provide is available on their website.

Who Cares Scotland is a voluntary organisation which works directly with Scotland’s children and young people who have been or are in care. They listen to what they say, support them and speak out on their behalf.

Other related weblinks/contacts:

NHS Lanarkshire along with North and South Lanarkshire Councils have produced a new five year plan to support independent advocacy across Lanarkshire. You can download a copy of the Lanarkshire Advocacy Plan 2020-2025.

The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) promotes, supports and defends the principles and practice of independent advocacy across Scotland. It is a membership organisation. whose aim is to ensure high quality advocacy is available to everyone who needs it in Scotland.