What is an Advocate?

An advocate is someone who can help you speak up so that your views are heard, your rights are met and your problems sorted out.

If you feel unhappy about something that is happening to you and you don't feel that Social Services are listening to you, you could get an advocate. An advocate is someone who will listen to your problem and will work with you to find ways to put it right by helping you to talk to the right people.

He or she can come to your Reviews, meet your carers and social workers and help you to find the right words to say to the adults who are making decisions that you don't agree with.

Merton Social Services have asked a local group called Reconstruct, to act as advocates to all young people who are looked after. If you think you would like an advocate, you can talk to your social worker or carer or you can always contact Reconstruct yourself.

If you contact Reconstruct you may be asked to fill in a form that will tell them what you need and will make sure that they can give you help. If you want to phone them call Patsy Williams for free on 0800 389 1571.

4 ways that an advocate can help you:

• They can help you speak up for yourself or speak on your behalf if that's what you want.
• They can help you make a complaint about the service that you have received from social services.
• They can help you put your feelings and views across about decisions that are being made about your life.
• They can give you information and advice about your rights and any worries you have as well as help you make choices about what is best for your.