Hartlepool says advocacy support is available for people making complaints, and it can also be used in adult social care and safeguarding cases where you need help getting your views heard. You can ask a friend, family member, carer, or a professional advocate to support you, and the council will only discuss things with them once you’ve given consent.
| Situation | Who can help | How to request it |
|---|---|---|
| General complaints | A friend, family member, carer, or a professional advocate such as Citizens Advice Bureau; for children and young people, the National Youth Advocacy Service | Complete the relevant consent form so someone can act on your behalf |
| Adult social care complaints | An independent advocate | Let the council know when you make your complaint; you can contact the complaints officer by telephone, email, or online form |
| Safeguarding concerns | An independent advocate, or a friend/family member/advocate to attend a meeting on your behalf | If you have difficulty being involved and there is no one appropriate to support you, Hartlepool will arrange an independent advocate |
| Henry Smith Education charity grants | An advocate who is staff from a school, college, university or training organisation and knows the applicant well | Complete the first two sections of the online application form, then work with the advocate to finish it and email it to the charity |
If you’re asking about complaints or adult social care, Hartlepool asks you to mention advocacy when you contact them. For complaints about council services, the council won’t discuss your concerns with an advocate until you’ve given consent.