Independent Advocacy - your experience - Easy Read

Overview

Getting help to have your say

We want people in Midlothian to get help to be listened to. This is called independent advocacy.

It is when someone is on your side, helps you speak up and helps others listen to you. It can help you understand your rights and choices.

People might need independent advocacy when:
- Talking to doctors or nurses
- Speaking to social workers or support workers
- Getting help with housing or money
- Making decisions about your care or treatment

Let us know what you think

You can take part in this survey even if you’ve never used independent advocacy.

You do not need to tell us your name. Just tell us what you think.

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 non 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.