Hartlepool offers advocacy support for people who need help making a complaint, and in some safeguarding situations the Council can arrange an independent advocate if you can’t be involved properly on your own. You can ask for advocacy when you contact the Council about your complaint or concern.
| Who can get advocacy support? | How to request it |
|---|---|
| People making a complaint who want support to express their views or have someone represent them | Ask someone to act as your advocate, and complete the relevant consent form so the Council can speak with them |
| Friends, family, and carers | They can act as an advocate with your consent |
| People using adult social care complaints | Tell the complaints officer when you make your complaint and ask about advocacy services |
| Adults in safeguarding processes who have difficulty being involved and չուն’t have anyone appropriate to support them | The Council will arrange an independent advocate to help ensure your views are heard |
| Children and young people making a complaint | Professional advocacy is available through the National Youth Advocacy Service |
| Students applying for Henry Smith Education charity grants | The application must be completed and supported by an advocate, then saved and emailed to the charity on the applicant’s behalf |
Hartlepool also says advocates can listen, help you explore options, explain the process, and accompany you to meetings. If you’re making an adult social care complaint, you can contact the complaints officer by telephone, email, or the online form, and ask about advocacy when you do.