At MND Scotland, we have a passionate team of Advocacy Workers whose job it is to help resolve issues you may be experiencing.
Our Advocacy Workers are your key contacts if you are facing delays, disputes or roadblocks of any kind. We are here to take your side and to take these matters forward with you.
If you wish, we can also speak to organisations on your behalf, to take stress away and to make the whole process easier for you and your family.
We may be able to help you if you are having problems with, for example:
This service is available across Scotland and can be delivered face-to-face, depending on your location, or by phone or email.
The benefits that you could gain from the service include:
Q: What is Advocacy?
A: Advocacy is about taking action to help you say what you want, secure your rights, represent your interests and to obtain services you need. Advocacy is about us taking your side, to promote social inclusion, equality and social justice.
We seek to ensure that people living with MND are able to defend and safeguard their rights, have their voice heard on important issues, and to have their views and wishes genuinely considered when decisions are being made about their lives.
Q: What does an Advocacy Worker do?
A: Our Advocacy Team might help you access information you need to protect your rights, or go with you to meetings or interviews in a supportive role. You may want your Advocacy Worker to write letters on your behalf, or speak for you in situations where you don’t feel able to speak for yourself. Or you may simply want someone by your side as you advocate for yourself.
An Advocacy Worker doesn’t generate complaints, but supports your right to complain or deal with issues in ways which work for you. An Advocacy Worker is independent from all other services and relationships in your life, and has no other role except to represent your wishes without judging you or giving you their personal opinion.
Q: What kind of issues does an Advocacy Worker deal with?
A: The list is endless, you can ask your advocate to support you in any area where you feel you need help, or where you feel your rights are being infringed - as long as this is legal.
You may be referred by your MND Clinical Specialist, another health or social care professional, or by an MND Scotland staff member.
You can also refer yourself using the contact form below.
If you are referring on behalf of a client, please use our Advocacy Referral Form for Health and Social Care Professionals.
