Advocates and advocacy schemes help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain the services they need. If you need help to express what you want from your social care services, you can get an advocate to support you.

Essex County Council is working with Advocacy Essex Services (AES) to provide an accessible advocacy service.

Residents in Essex with a physical and sensory impairment, learning disability, older people or family carers can receive advocacy services from AES.

Referrals can be made free of charge on the AES website or by calling 01245 382838. AES will source an appropriate advocate depending on the individual’s needs. This service is free of charge.

Individuals can make their own referrals or they can be made on their behalf by social or health care professionals, voluntary organisations, carers or family members.

Mental health advocacy

Residents with mental health issues can also access specialised advocacy services

• If you are under the care of a community mental health team you can access an independent advocate through your care coordinator
• If you are sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended by the 2007 Act, you have the right to an independent mental health advocate. Contact your local Primary Care Trust to discuss this.

If you or someone you know has mental health problems and lacks capacity you have a right to receive support from an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate.  If you live in north Essex you can get in touch with an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate by contacting Age Concern or if you live in south Essex you can contact Together.