Advocacy Services
Empowering Voices. Protecting Rights. Changing Lives.
Our Advocacy Support
At Vocal Advocacy, we believe that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported—especially when life feels overwhelming. Whether navigating complex care systems or making everyday choices, our advocacy services ensure that people with learning disabilities and cognitive difficulties have someone standing firmly by their side.
We provide two core types of advocacy support:
General Advocacy
Why It Matters
Frequently Asked Questions
Statutory Advocacy
Protecting Rights When It Matters Most
The law grants people the right to statutory advocacy in specific situations, ensuring people’s voices are heard in critical decisions about their lives.
This includes:
- Independent Care Act Advocates – Supporting individuals during care needs assessments and reviews, including preparation of care and support plans and safeguarding.
- Relevant Persons Paid Representatives for DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) – Representing people whose freedoms are legally restricted to keep them safe.
- Independent Mental Capacity Advocates -For those who lack capacity to make decisions and have no family or friends involved, when serious medical
treatment or a change of accommodation is proposed.
Through our partnership with the Devon Advocacy Consortium, our highly trained advocates offer guidance during these complex and often stressful processes.
Statutory Advocacy In Action
A gentleman endured emotional and physical abuse that deeply affected his health
and wellbeing. With the guidance of our Advocate, he was empowered to make his
own choices, his voice was heard by decision-makers. Today, he’s thriving in a safe,
supported living environment – happy, healthy, and free from abuse.
What is Care Act Advocacy?
Learn about your rights under the Care Act and how our statutory advocacy supports people through assessments, care planning, and safeguarding processes.
General Advocacy
Because Life Doesn’t Always Fit Neatly Into a Process
General advocacy fills the gaps that statutory systems can’t reach. Life’s challenges don’t always wait for a crisis point—and neither should support.
With our general advocacy, we provide person-led, compassionate help when people need it most:
- Challenging decisions that aren’t in a person’s best interests
- Supporting people to make decisions about where they live, work, and how they spend their time
- Helping individuals report safeguarding concerns
- Securing financial independence and protection from exploitation
- Empowering people to speak up in their care and support planning
General Advocacy In Action
Case Study: Making a Voice Heard
Our client reached out because they were struggling to have their views heard about an important personal relationship. Despite repeated attempts to express how they felt, their wishes were being overlooked—causing them significant distress.
Working closely with their advocate, the client found a creative and powerful way to make their voice heard. Together, they produced a video where they were able to clearly express their feelings, explain their situation, and outline the outcome they wanted to achieve.
This video was presented at the Court of Protection, ensuring that—despite not being able to attend in person—the client’s voice was powerfully represented at the highest level. Their views and wishes were heard directly by the decision makers, giving them a real say in the decisions that affected their life.
Why It Matters
- 1.5 million adults in the UK live with learning disabilities—and the need for accessible advocacy is growing.
- For every £1 spent on general advocacy, the government saves £12—£7 saved by the NHS and £5 by local councils.
- General advocacy prevents crisis situations, improves wellbeing, and ultimately saves public services from costly interventions.
Despite these clear benefits, funding for general advocacy is often limited and inconsistent. Together, we can change that.
Voice of an Advocate:
“People tell us they’re being treated ‘like a kid’ when they try to regain control over their own lives. They say they’re angry, frustrated, or sad because no one is listening. That’s why we’re here—to make sure their voices are as loud as all others, and their lives equally important. That’s why advocacy matters.”
How to Access Our Advocacy Services?
If you or someone you know could benefit from our support, making a referral is simple. Our experienced team is ready to help—whether it’s for general or statutory advocacy.
Together, we can ensure every person has the power to be heard, make choices, and lead the life they deserve.
The Impact of Advocacy—A Parent’s Perspective
“It’s important that my daughter has someone independent to talk to—someone other than parents or support staff. Her advocate is supportive, understanding, and listens to her. When my daughter meets with her advocate, she knows that the meeting is just for her, and what she shares will only be discussed with her consent. It is a safe and empowering space. My daughter now has a voice. Young people with a learning disability need an advocate to make sure their voice is heard—because they matter.” – Parent of a Vocal Advocacy Client
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between statutory and general advocacy?
Statutory advocacy is a legal right provided in specific situations under laws like the Care Act or Mental Capacity Act. General advocacy isn’t tied to legislation but offers vital support in everyday life decisions and challenges, especially when people don’t meet the strict criteria for statutory services.
Who is eligible for general advocacy?
We provide general advocacy for people with a learning disability living in South and West Devon. We also offer support for parents with cognitive difficulties navigating child protection processes.
What kinds of issues can an advocate help with?
Our advocates support people to:
- Challenge decisions made by care providers or local authorities
- Raise safeguarding concerns
- Navigate financial difficulties or abuse
- Access appropriate housing or care options
- Build confidence and move toward self-advocacy
Is advocacy really free?
Yes. We never charge individuals for advocacy support. Our services are funded through grants, charitable donations, and partnerships, including funding from the Henry Smith Charity.
How do I refer someone for advocacy support?
You can complete our online referral form here: Make a Referral
Vocal Advocacy empowers some of the most socially marginalised, powerless, and disadvantaged individuals to access the same range of life choices as everyone else. Working across South and West Devon, our team of independent advocates helps people with their housing, work, education, finance, health, and social care issues.
Advocacy Services
Statutory advocacy for eligible adults and general advocacy if you're not eligible under the Care Act.
Supporting Parents
Specialist lay advocates who support parents to engage effectively with the child protection process.
Training
Access over 70 AQA accredited training courses that empower individuals with essential skills and knowledge.