Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes and help you understand and exercise your rights. RIASS do not fulfil the role of statutory advocates, nor do they provide legal advocacy as provided by a lawyer.

RIASS are an informal advocate and can:

• listen to your views and concerns
• help you explore your options and rights
• provide information to help you make informed decisions
• help you contact relevant people, or contact them on your behalf (with consent)
• accompany you and support you in meetings or appointments if agreed that you are unable to do so alone

An informal advocate will not:

• give their personal opinion
• solve problems and make decisions for the individual
• make judgements about them
• The support of an advocate is often particularly useful in meetings when an individual might not feel confident in expressing themselves.

The support of a RIASS advocate is often particularly useful in meetings when you might not feel confident in expressing yourself.

We can provide information and advice ahead of any meeting too:

• support you to ask all the questions you want to ask
• make sure all the points you want covered are included in the meeting
• explain your options to you without giving our opinion