Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes and help you understand and exercise your rights. IASS do not fulfil the role of statutory advocates, nor do they provide legal advocacy as provided by a lawyer.
An IASS advocate 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
The support of an IASS advocate is often particularly useful in meetings when you might not feel confident in expressing yourself. They can:
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 their opinion
help keep you safe during the meeting – for example, if you find the meeting upsetting
