Independent Advocacy is:

taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.  The Advocacy Charter 2002

We believe that:

• all individuals and communities should be valued and respected for who they are and have their rights upheld
• access to information, support, services and resources is vital for a good quality and dignified life
• advocacy is an essential way to make sure this happens for vulnerable people.

We provide free, independent, high quality and ethical advocacy that:

• helps people to be aware of their rights and available choices
• supports them to make informed decisions about their lives and to have them acted upon wherever possible
• facilitates their voices being heard
• helps them advocate for themselves
• informs and influences decision makers in: policy; service commissioning; provision at a local, regional and national level to achieve positive change.