Complex Needs Advocacy

People with severe learning disabilities and complex health issues are some of the most vulnerable people in society.  Due to the complexity of their support and communication needs their views are often ignored or mis-understood.  They are often excluded from decisions about their lives and have decisions made for them by those around them.

 

However, people with severe learning disabilities and complex health issues have the same rights as everyone else.  At the centre of this is the right to be involved, as far as possible, in all decisions relating to their lives.

 

The Complex and Inclusion Advocate works with people with moderate to severe learning disabilities who may also have complex health needs.  Their role is to support the individual to be involved as much as possible with any decision relating to their lives.  This may be, for example, with accommodation, care, support, relationships, social activities, education and or finances as well as many others.  The Complex and Inclusion Advocate does not make decisions or offer opinions but works with individual and/or those who know the individual best, to ensure their wishes/feelings/views are sought, listened to and acted upon.

 

Sometimes the individual’s support or health needs are so complex that they may be unable to make a particular decision at a particular time.  This means they lack the capacity to make that decision.  The Complex and Inclusion Advocate will use a None Instructed Advocacy Approach to support with decision making.  This means they will try to get know the individuals preferences, likes, dislikes, history and former views by spending time with them and  talking to and obtaining the views of those people who know the person best (family, carers, friends, peers, professionals).  They also ensure that the individual’s rights are up held and that they have fair and equal access to treatment and services.

 

The Complex and Inclusion Advocate does not carry out Mental Capacity Assessments.

 

If you would like further information please contact our Complex and Inclusion Advocate.

 

If you would like to make a referral please do so by clicking on the link below or contacting the Complex and Inclusion Advocate.