Disabled People and Carers

Being heard / Getting advice

There may be occasions when you need assistance to get your point of view across, or to help solve a difficult situation. An advocate is someone who may be able to support you in these circumstances. 

Westminster Action Network on Disability (WAND) has an Advocacy and Information Service that can help you have your say, and to take control of the decisions that affect you and your life. Advocacy can help you by: helping you to clarify your own views and wishes; supporting you to speak up for yourself and your views effectively; representing your views on your behalf; providing you with independent advice and information to enable you to make an informed choice; and helping to negotiate and resolve situations where there is a conflict. www.wand.org.uk/about.php

Voluntary Action Westminster (VAW) is an independent charity that works with community and voluntary groups in the City of Westminster. They support these groups to achieve their aims and objectives; influence local government policy making; and meet to share ideas and experience. You can find out about VAW, in addition to Westminster Disability Network, Health Forums and Local Partnership Groups (see below) at www.vawcvs.org.

Westminster Disability Network aims to bring the voluntary and community sector, statutory sector, deaf and disabled people, carers and interested individuals together to improve service provision for disabled people by sharing good practice and promoting equality. For more information about the Network and its meetings, contact the Senior Community Involvement Worker at Voluntary Action Westminster.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Health Forums exist to make sure that the public is involved in decision making about health and health services in England. Anyone from the local community is encouraged to get involved to ensure their views are heard. For more information on your local PPI forum, contact Voluntary Action Westminster on 020 7723 1216 or check out their website.

Local Partnership Groups are health and social care planning groups focusing on the needs of different Westminster residents. They look at both local priorities and national targets for services. Members include staff from health and social care organisations, voluntary sector representatives, services user representatives and carers. The Partnership Group for Physical Disability and Sensory Needs also has a sub group called the Patient Participation Group. For more information, contact the Senior Community Involvement Worker at Voluntary Action Westminster.

Citizens Advice Bureau can provide free, confidential and independent advice about your money, family, daily life and rights. www.adviceguide.org.uk

Westminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents (WASSR) provides trained volunteer advocates to enable older people in Westminster to express choices about matters affecting their everyday lives and so achieve a better quality of life. www.wassr.org