Referrals

You can make a referral to Kent Advocacy for yourself, on behalf of a friend or on behalf of a family member for the following types of advocacy support:

If you or your relative/friend has a particular issue for which they need support to:

• Express their views, wishes and needs

• Be listened to

• Know and understand their rights

• Ensure they can be involved in a decision that needs to be made

AND one of the following apply, please make a referral using the use the relevant link above to The Advocacy People website where you can download a referral form.

1) For our Community Advocacy service, one of these needs to apply to you or the relative/friend you are referring to us:

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder

• Dementia

• Hearing impairment

• Mental health difficulty

• Older person

• Physical disability

• Sight impairment

• Learning disability (note that this community advocacy service is available from age 16)

2) If you want to make a complaint about treatment you have received in an NHS service or service paid for by the NHS. (N.B. Before making an NHS Complaints Advocacy referral, we suggest you look at our self-help resources to see what the complaints process involves and what action you may be able to take without involving an advocate.)

3) If you or the person being referred is detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 or subject to recall to hospital, the referral will go to an Independent Mental Health Advocate. An IMHA can help explain how the law applies to the person and how to participate in, or appeal against, the plans made for their care and treatment.

If you are a professional working in care or social services, you can make a referral to Kent Advocacy for the following types of advocacy support:

• Care Act Advocacy (ICAA)

• IMCA/DoLS

• IMHA

• Community Advocacy (ASD, dementia, hearing impairment, mental health issues, older persons, physical disability, sight impairment)

• Learning disability (note that this community advocacy service is available from age 16)

To make an online ICAA, IMCA , IMHA or Community Advocacy referral, please use the relevant link above to The Advocacy People website where you can download a referral form.

DoLS referrals have special criteria and a separate process. To contact the DoLS team, e-mail: dols@kent.gov.uk or telephone 03000 415777.