AdvoCard works with people with a mental health issue, people with problematic substance use, people who are in prison in Edinburgh, as well as those people experiencing problems with their benefits because of welfare reform. Anyone experiencing these situations is likely to have periods of difficulty when things can seem overwhelming and the path ahead isn’t clear.

Our staff are all trained advocacy workers who are there to help people understand their options, express their needs and get their views across.

An advocacy worker can help by talking to people about what they want to happen next, by making sure they understand the options available to them and their rights in certain situations. They can  help people prepare to give their views in meetings with others or speak for them if they would prefer this.

Advocacy is not about giving advice or suggesting what anyone should do next. The advocacy workers will work at each person’s pace and in a way that they understand or prefer. We will do as little or as much as someone needs. Sometimes a staff member just being with someone is enough to give them the confidence to ask questions or to speak up and challenge or question a decision.

If you think advocacy may be able to help you or someone you know please Contact Us.

“AdvoCard volunteers took the time to listen to me and their understanding helped me to gain confidence and self-esteem.  They can’t change my issues, but they have helped me to face them. Dealing with large organisations can be daunting for most people – if you suffer from mental health issues this can seem a hundred times worse.  My advocacy worker has been amazing support.  I feel that I’m being taken more seriously and regaining some of the power that I’ve felt I had lost.

I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am in my life just now without the support of AdvoCard.”

Tony – AdvoCard Service User