Information for Carers

What is advocacy?

Advocacy involves trained third-party individuals who will help individuals to express their views and enforce their legal rights. Advocates do not impose their own ideas; they help individuals to find their own voice.

This recognises that individuals have a right to input into any decisions that could affect them but might require additional support to help them to do so.

For more information you can view the Lothian Independent Advocacy Leaflet.

Download the Lothian Independent Advocacy Leaflet   

Or visit the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance website.

Information for Carers

Organisations that provide independent advocacy services, do so on behalf of the cared for individual.   Unfortunately independent advocacy is not available to carers at present. 

Support for carers can be found from Carers of East Lothian, however they are not a specialist independent advocacy service.

Carers of East Lothian

While CofEL Support Workers do not provide 'independent advocacy' for carers, they can offer to help advocate on your behalf, supporting you to explore your options and rights in certain circumstances, to attend meetings and to have your thoughts and concerns heard.   

For more information contact Email: centre@coel.org.uk   Website: coel.org.uk

Advocacy Services

EARS Advocacy Service
In East Lothian EARS provide advocacy for Older People, Physical Disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury and Stroke.
Contact: Email: info@ears-advocacy.org.uk   Website: www.ears-advocacy.org.uk/ 

CAPS Advocacy
CAPS cover substance use and mental health (adults).
Email: contact@capsadvocacy.org   Website: www.capsadvocacy.org

Partners in Advocacy
PIA cover Learning Disabilities and Autism.  Please note CAPS do not offer independent advocacy to carers at present.
Email: edinburgh@partnersinadvocacy.org.uk   Website: www.partnersinadvocacy.org.uk