Swan Advocacy

About Swan Advocacy

Founded in 1999, Swan Advocacy is an independent advocacy charity working across the South West of England. We deliver high-quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people in our communities.

Services Provided:

Swan provides a free, independent advocacy service for vulnerable adults who, because of illness, disability or age may experience difficulty speaking up. We are commissioned by Wiltshire Council and NHS to provide the majority of services but also have projects funded by other sources.

We assign advocates who: support individuals at meetings/reviews/ appeals/appointments/help write letters/make calls/prepare appeals helping individuals make informed choices about their life.

Generic service provides advocacy support to adults who are in receipt of, or disputing access to, secondary health/social care services or in receipt of DLA. Swan’s Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy Service supports people that lack the capacity to make decisions. This service is for individuals under Mental Health Act 1983.

Two pilot projects, the Forces Project provides support to service personnel/veterans /service families. Early Intervention Dementia Project, aimed at supporting during the early stages of dementia and to remain working with the individual throughout their life.

Supports:

Aged 16+

Areas Covered:

Wiltshire & Bath & North East Somerset

How are services accessed?

Referrals through an application process completing Swan’s referral form, accessed online, emailed or posted out. Individuals can self-refer. Individuals can be referred by health professionals and support organisations, care homes etc. Parents that meet Swan‘s criteria for advocacy can be supported to deal with issues around child protection law.