Generic one to one advocacy in Hertfordshire
For eight years POhWER has provided a generic one to one advocacy service available to adults in Hertfordshire.
Most advocacy projects in the UK mirror social care provision in that they cater for specific client groups such as mental health, learning disabilities and elderly.
A generic advocacy service reaches all people regardless of their client status or the kind of services they use.
Generic advocacy has the following benefits:
- A diverse case working skill base.
- A service that can be used by people who are not already in services or have received a diagnosis.
- A service that focuses upon core advocacy skills that can be transferred between client groups.
- A service that can work readily with people who have complex circumstances and use multiple services.
- A service which can support a client who has multiple and disconnected issues.
Types of Issue that arise in Generic One to One Advocacy
The more predominant categories of issues worked on, shown as category headings with examples.
Care
Changing social worker, contacting social worker, day care issues, issues with key workers, whole life review meetings, accessing social worker for assessment and care package, dealing with contract services e.g. homecare
Medical – meetings/information/treatment
Clinical care issues in hospital, accessing clinical staff – community and hospitals, accessing NHS referral services e.g. counselling, accessing non-clinical staff e.g. PALS/execs, medication, Mental Health Act meetings, any medical meetings
Benefits/debts
Referrals to specialist agencies, accompanying clients e.g. to CAB or other meetings, gathering information e.g. on debt, appeals and supporting clients working with the Money Advice Unit.
Housing
Resettlement – from hospital/community home, moving, accessing housing, lodgers and tenants, homelessness and repossession, accessing environmental health/housing specialists/solicitors.
Child protection
Supporting clients at consultations with solicitors and at child protection conferences. Looking over reports and correspondence with clients, identifying issues and action required.
Relationships
Supporting clients with matrimonial, access and neighbour issues.
Leisure
Accessing services/facilities, arranging activities e.g. holidays
Referrals
To make a referral to our service please complete the third party referral form
Feedback
If you would like to give us feedback about our services please complete the feedback form
Contact Us
Telephone: 0300 456 2370
Fax: 0300 456 2365
Minicom: 0300 456 2364
Email: pohwer@pohwer.net
