IPA

Independent Professional Advocacy

 
 
 
 

Email Us

                       0300 10 249 70

The Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) Service is available to those entering into or already engaged with Social Services, and is accessible when a person can only overcome the barrier(s) to participate fully in the assessment, care & support planning, review & safeguarding processes with assistance from an appropriate individual, but there is no appropriate individual available.

What is Independent Professional Advocacy? 


Independent Professional Advocacy is a way to help people have a stronger voice in accessing the support they require to make long lasting changes in their own lives.


The role of our advocates:


  • Supporting people who are marginalised in our society.
  • Advocating on behalf of people who are unable to speak for themselves.
  • Listening to someone and being non judgemental to their point of view.
  • Helping people to feel valued.
  • Understanding people’s situations and understanding what barriers have been put in place to prevent them from getting what they want or require.
  • Offering the person support to tell other people what they want or require, or signposting them to other organisations who may be able to help.
  • Empowering people to know and understand what choices they have and what the consequences of these choices might be.
  • Enabling a person to have control over their life but taking up issues on their behalf if they want you to.


Our Advocates will not:


  • Provide general advice.
  • Complete forms.
  • Act as a mediator.
  • Be your Counsellor.
  • Provide befriending.
  • Be your carer or support worker.
  • Consultation.
  • Make decisions or advise people what to do.
  • Solve problems themselves.
  • Speak for people when they have the capacity to do so themselves.
  • To agree with everything and do anything a person says and requests.


Swansea IPA Leaflet

click link to download

The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 sets out requirements for local authorities relating to advocacy under Part 10 (and related parts). Advocacy ensures that individuals have a voice, choice, and control over their lives.


For more information on the ACT please click here:

If you need support with any of the following:


  • Understanding how social services operates
  • Talking with professional about your situation
  • Knowing what options are available to you
  • Knowing what your rights are
  • Making decisions that are right for you
  • Speaking up if you are not happy

Contact us on: 



                          0300 10 249 70


                          ipa@mhmwales.org


or download the relevant referral form located below.


Please note: you must be 18+, reside in the borough of Swansea, and meet the requirements of the social services and wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, part 10  to access this service


Mental Health Matters Wales


www.mhmwales.org.uk


Charity Number: 1123842 Company number: 6468412

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