A new advocacy service commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council and provided by South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) will launch for vulnerable Island residents on 1st June 2021.
Independent advocacy is provided for people who have substantial difficulty in understanding and engaging with health and care processes and who have no other appropriate person to support them to do this. The advocacy service ensures that people get the information that they need to help them make decisions, it will also support people to say what they want to say and make sure that their views are being heard.
SWAN have been appointed following an extensive competitive procurement process in which a number of potential providers were considered.
Vikki Holloway, SWAN’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We are delighted to be working with the Isle of Wight Council and look forward to creating strong and sustainable relationships with stakeholders.
“SWAN is committed to developing a clear understanding of the needs and requirements of our service users and ensuring the service is accessible by all vulnerable adults, who require independent advocacy to ensure their voices are heard and rights upheld.”
Dr Carol Tozer Director of Adult Social Care and Housing Needs for the Isle of Wight Council said:
“The local authority looks forward to working with SWAN as we have a duty under the Care Act 2014 to involve people in all decisions made about them and their care and support. No matter how complex a person’s needs, we are committed and required to help people express their wishes and views, support them in weighing up their options and assist them in making their own decisions.”
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You can contact SWAN on 03333 447928 or via email [email protected]. For more information on SWAN and their Isle of Wight service visit www.swanadvocacy.org.uk/iow.
I wonder if this advocacy service would enter into a dispute with the Council over the fact that the vulnerable and elderly are bullied into selling their homes to pay for respite, and residential, care even though the law states it is not a legal requirement… I doubt it.