Early Help

A preventative approach that enables people to self-advocate in decisions that affect their lives.

What is Early Help Advocacy?

Early help advocacy supports with issues that are not covered by statutory advocacy in the community. This may include support to:

  • Participate within Child in Need processes
  • Access appropriate agencies and services such as CAB and Housing
  • Make a complaint
  • Report a hate crime
  • Put plans in place for End of Life wishes

Early access to appropriate support can often prevent long term intervention from social care and empower people to take control over their lives.

Key to ‘Early Help Advocacy’ is providing a range of resources to encourage people to develop their self-help and self-advocacy skills

Advocates are qualified to deliver independent advocacy within community settings.

When can I get an advocate?

You may be entitled to an advocate if:

  • You are over the age of 18
  • You live in Warrington and are registered with a Warrington based GP
  • You are struggling to get your voice heard
  • Support required is issue-based

We work with people who may have disabilities or additional needs such as:

  • Poor mental health
  • Leaning difficulty/disability
  • Sensory or physical impairment
  • Autism/Aspergers
  • Dementia
  • Long term health condition
  • Acquired brain injury

Or who are disadvantaged through social isolation.

If we think we are not the best people to help with your issue we will actively signpost to most appropriate organisation.

How can an advocate help?

An advocate will:

  • Listen to you
  • Be on your side
  • Provide you with relevant information
  • Help you explore options and think abut outcomes and consequences
  • Respect your decisions
  • Help you express your views and wishes
  • Signpost to appropriate services

How do I get an Advocate?

Referrals can be made by professionals, with consent of the parent. However, we actively encourage self-referrals.

  • Self-referral form Download
  • Professionals referral form Download
  • Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form Download
  • Easy read early help information sheet Download

You can find further information on our Self Help resources page.