Following a successful bid, the charity has secured a long-term contract with South Tyneside Council to continue delivering statutory advocacy services while also taking on responsibility for Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy and general advocacy support across the borough.
As the main provider of advocacy in South Tyneside, Your Voice Counts aims to make it easier for professionals and local people to access the support they need.
The team can provide information, advice and support on all aspects of advocacy and offers a straightforward referral process for:
- Statutory advocacy – including Care Act, Independent Mental Capacity and Independent Mental Health Act advocacy, a Relevant Person’s Representative service and Independent NHS Complaints advocacy
- General advocacy – for people who need help to be heard but don’t meet the criteria for a statutory service.
Anyone currently receiving NHS complaints advocacy support will be automatically transferred to the Your Voice Counts service.
Referral forms, service details and self-help tools are available online at yvc.org.uk/advocacy. For advice about advocacy, support with referrals or to discuss whether someone may need an advocate, you can also contact the team directly on 0191 478 6472 or mail@yvc.org.uk.
