Advocacy
Free and confidential for anyone over 50 years of age
In 2009, 100% of advocacy clients said that they would recommend others to use the Advocacy service.
Do you have a problem that is worrying you, and don't know where to turn? Our Advocacy service may be able to help you.
Advocacy offers support to help an individual present their views and speak up for themselves. Our trained advocates can:
- help you get information so you can make your own choices;
- represent your views to others if you feel unable to do so;
- provide you with support to make up your own mind about an issue;
- help you write letters and fill in forms;
- they can also make telephone calls on your behalf and attend meetings with you or on your behalf.
An advocate will help you until:
You both agree that the problem has been sorted out to your satisfaction or until there is nothing more that an advocate can do to help. The Advocacy Service covers the whole of the Isle of Wight and we will visit you in your own home, if you can not get to the office. We can also arrange to see you in a day centre, residential or nursing home or in hospital.
Cost
This service is funded by Comic Relief and is provided free of charge.
What to do next?
Contact us on 01983 525282 or email us.
After an initial assessment the Advocacy Co-ordinator will allocate an advocate. Advocacy volunteers are trained and fully supported by the Advocacy Service.
Snapshot
Mr X had received a very large bill from his electricity company even though he had been paying an agreed amount each month. On investigation, we discovered that the bills received had all been estimates. An accurate reading revealed a shortfall but nowhere near as much as had originally been charged. We organised an affordable monthly payment plan with Mr X’s approval.
Four months later Mr X contacted us again, as the electricity supplier had doubled his repayments. The supplier contended that regular payments had not been maintained. Mr X was able to produce receipts for all payments made and the electricity company admitted their mistake. Mr X felt empowered to write to the Chief Executive of the electricity company and as a result he received a 20% discount off his next bill.