Independent advocacy

Independent advocacy is about speaking up for and standing alongside individuals or groups. Independent advocacy it is about everyone having the right to a voice and ensuring that an individual's human rights are recognised, respected, and secured.

Independent advocacy supports people to understand how to secure the right service when people feel unable to do so without support. Independent advocacy can sometimes support some situations from escalating, and it can help individuals and groups being supported to develop the skills, confidence and understanding to advocate for themselves.

Independent advocacy is especially important when individuals or groups feel that they are not heard, are vulnerable or feel discriminated against. This can happen when someone might feel the right support for them is limited or if there are barriers to communication.

Perth and Kinross Council values the role of independent advocacy. Independent Advocacy Perth and Kinross (IAPK) aims to help people by supporting them to express their own needs and make their own informed decisions. Independent advocates support people to gain access to information and explore and understand their options. They speak on behalf of people who are unable to speak for themselves or choose not to do so. They safeguard people who are vulnerable or discriminated against or whom services find difficult to support.

VoiceAbility provide free independent support to understand and access Social Security Scotland benefits. This support is for people who identify as disabled; parents, guardians, or carers who are accessing benefits for a disabled child; and parents, guardians, or carers who are disabled and want support to access social security benefits for their child. VoiceAbility also provides group advocacy in the community and online.