Independent Advocacy - your experience

Overview

Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership is planning how advocacy services should work in the future.

Advocacy means having someone on your side who helps you understand your rights, speak up, and make sure your voice is heard.

You might need advocacy when:

• Talking with doctors, nurses, or social workers
• Dealing with benefits, housing, or money problems
• Making big decisions about your care or support

Some people have a right to independent advocacy. This includes people with a mental health condition, a learning disability, or anyone going through a situation where their rights might be affected.

Even if you’ve never used advocacy before, we want to hear:

• What you think advocacy is
• If you’ve ever needed help like this
• What worked well or didn’t
• What would make advocacy better in future

You don’t have to answer everything. Just share what feels right. Your voice matters. Your answers will help shape a better plan for advocacy in Midlothian.

This survey is anonymous so please don’t tell us anything that could identify you or anyone you care for. You can read how we use your information in our privacy statement.

If you would like a copy of this survey in another language or format, please email equalities@midlothian.gov.uk

If you need advocacy help now

• speak to your doctor, social worker or support worker
• look online for advocacy services in Midlothian

What happens next

This survey formed part of feedback gathered for the Independent Advocacy Strategic Plan. The plan includes personal stories, group feedback, and ideas for change. We heard from people through surveys, focus groups, and one-to-one conversations. This survey, and the Easy Read version, gathered 25 responses.

Everyone who took part had experience of mental ill health, learning disabilities, physical or sensory disabilities, or caring for someone in these situations. Their message was clear: people value independent advocacy, but it is not always easy to understand, find, or get.

People spoke about four main areas: awareness, access, effectiveness, and what could be better.

Independent advocacy helps protect people’s rights and voices. In Midlothian, many people said it helped them feel heard and included. But others missed out. Some didn’t know about it. Others found the system confusing or only got help after things had already gone wrong.

Collective independent advocacy also matters. It helps people work together, shape services, and support one another. People said it gave them confidence, connection, and a real voice in decisions that affect them.