Our Services in Glasgow
- The Advocacy Project provides a free and confidential service that is independent of the NHS and Social Work.
- Independent advocacy can benefit those living at home, in care or in hospital.
- Our advocacy workers work with a number of clients, usually on a one to one basis, but we also support groups of people who have issues in common.
Case Example
Tam was referred to The Advocacy Project as his grand-daughter had decided to apply for welfare guardianship under the Adults with Incapacity Act. She was unhappy with the standards of care in the nursing home Tam lived in and felt her Grandad would be better off somewhere else.
What was life like before advocacy got involved?
Tam felt no-one was listening to him. Tam had no problems in the care home, he liked the staff, had made friends and he felt at home. He had always been a very independent man and did not like the idea of someone else being in control of decisions that affected him.
How did advocacy involvement help?
Tam’s advocate met him several times over the next few months. She talked to him about how he felt about the care home and explained to him the implications of having a welfare guardian. The advocate liaised with the Mental Health Officer who was overseeing the guardianship application and told her Tam’s views. She also requested that the MHO put a safeguarder in place to uphold Tam’s rights, particularly since the powers Tam’s grand-daughter were applying for were very restrictive.Tam’s advocate attended the hearing where the safeguarder’s assessment reflected Tam’s views.
What was the outcome for Tam?
The sheriff agreed with the safeguarder and advocate, the guardianship was not necessary and the powers under it too restrictive. Tam was delighted that his wishes were granted and he remained in the care home he had chosen.
Glasgow Integrated Services – Disability and Mental Health
You are eligible for this service if you:
- Are aged 16 or over
- Are resident in Glasgow when the referral is made
- Have a disability, mental health issue (although a formal diagnosis is not needed for this), and/or problematic alcohol and drug use
- There are evident risks to your rights/needs not being met
We also work across all settings; community/care and hospital settings and HMP Barlinnie.
Our case work prioritises 5 key areas:
– Mental Health care and treatment
– Self-directed Support
– Adult Support and Protection
– Adults with Incapacity
– Problematic alcohol and drug use
For people experiencing problematic alcohol and drug use we can offer advocacy support with access to health services, understanding your rights and options in accessing rehabilitation, housing issues, your rights related to the MAT standards.
We also operate a 3rd Party Reporting Centre for Hate Crime. You can find out more about that on the Police Scotland website.
Signposting; If our service is not able to help, we will help direct you where you need to go.
People affected by the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 have a legal right to independent advocacy.
Please see our contact page for more information on making a referral.
If your needs don’t match the criteria here, you can find information on other independent advocacy providers at the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance website.