Advocacy is the process of standing beside someone and supporting them to understand and exercise their rights and have their voice heard on the issues that are important to them. It is a powerful way to be heard if you feel you are not being treated in a respectful and fair manner.

An advocate is an impartial person who can:

• Give you information about your aged care/disability services rights and responsibilities
• Help you to resolve concerns/complaints with your service provider
• Speak with your service provider on your behalf
• Assist you in making decisions about the care you receive
• Support you to make informed decisions
• Increase your capacity to self-advocate
• Provide practical assistance such as help with writing correspondence or raising your concerns at meetings
• Refer you to other agencies when needed

Lifebridge supports the appointing of an advocate to represent you should you choose. This may be a family member, a friend or someone who is experienced in providing this type of support.

For further information regarding advocacy, you can call the Disability and Aged Information Service (DAISI) on 1800 800 340 or visit their website www.daisi.asn.au

Further contacts:

The Older Persons Advocacy Network – 1800 700 600 – website – opan.com.au

Disability Advocacy NSW – 1300 365 085  – website – da.org.au/ndis