Safeguarding Advocacy

Advocacy and the safeguarding process

We work closely with clients to support them and ensure they have choice and control throughout the safeguarding process.

The service is available to anyone over 18 who has the ability to make their own decisions but is defined as a 'vulnerable' adult and is the subject of a safeguarding investigation.

Our service is independent and so free from the conflicts of interest there might be if for example social care staff or a family member were to advocate for you.

An advocate can help if you need

Independent information and practical support in order to help you express your views and to make your voice heard.
Help and encouragement to enable you to make choices, take control of your life and to stand up for your rights.
Support or representation at safeguarding meetings.

The Advocacy Team will

Speak with you to discuss your needs.
Introduce you to one of the advocates who will give you support to deal with the problem.
Always ask for your consent before involving a third party.
Observe your rights to confidentiality.

If you require advocacy support unrelated to your safeguarding investigation we would be able to give you information and signpost you appropriately.

We Do Not

Offer advocacy to those who lack the capacity to make decisions.
Give legal advice.
Offer counselling.

But we can assist you to access relevant services.

The Service provides

Fully trained independent advocates to help you have your say from the beginning to the end of the safeguarding process.
Training and support to all advocates.

BSL (British Sign Language) and other interpreters may be available.

Both Age UK Hillingdon and DASH are voluntary organisations and registered charities.

DASH exists to promote and enable equality of opportunity for all disabled people in Hillingdon and to ensure that all services are conducted in a holistic manner.

Age UK Hillingdon work with and for older people in the Borough to provide services and to represent their views.

If you would like to support either Age UK Hillingdon or DASH by making a donation, becoming a member or volunteer, please contact us on:

Age UK Hillingdon

Tel: 020 8756 4395
Email: enquiries@ageukhillingdon.org.uk

DASH

Tel: 020 8848 8319
Email: contact us

For further information please contact a member of the advocacy team at:

Side by Side Advocacy Service

Townfield Community Centre
Townfield Road
Hayes
Middlesex
UB3 2EL

Tel: 020 8756 4395

Office hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm.
Answerphone available at all other times.

Fax: 020 8589 0056
Email: safeguarding@ageukhillingdon.org.uk
Web: http://www.ageukhillingdon.org.uk/

Working in Partnership

"Side by Side" – Safeguarding Advocacy

Providing Advocacy support to residents of the London Borough of Hillingdon who are the subject of a Safeguarding Adults Investigation.