Westmorland and Furness Advocacy Hub

Free, Independent Advocacy Support In Your Area


Are you struggling to have your voice heard when making important decisions about your health, care, or rights?

The Westmorland and Furness Advocacy Hub, provided by N-Compass, offers free, confidential, and independent advocacy support to help you understand your rights and speak up for what matters to you.

Westmoorland and Furness Advocacy Hub logo

Our Advocacy Services In
Westmorland And Furness

We offer expert advocacy support tailored to your needs, including:

  • Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
    Supporting individuals detained under the Mental Health Act to understand their rights and have a say in their treatment.
  • Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
    Supporting people who lack the capacity to make key decisions about their care, medical treatment, or accommodation and have no close family or friends to represent them. IMCAs ensure the person’s rights and views are in the persons best interest.
  • DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards)
    A legal framework under the Mental Capacity Act used to protect individuals in care homes or hospitals who lack capacity and under restrictions to keep them safe. It ensures that any deprivation of liberty is in the person’s best interests and properly authorised.
    The advocacy roles include 39a IMCA, 39D IMCA, 39C IMCA and Paid Relevant Person’s
  • Care Act Advocacy
    Helping individuals involved in social care assessments, planning, or safeguarding concerns to ensure their views are heard.
  • NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy
    Supporting individuals to understand their rights and the process of making a complaint about the care or treatment provided by the NHS.

Not sure which type of advocacy you need? Contact us, and we’ll help you find the right support.

How To Access Advocacy Support

Getting support is simple. If you or someone you know needs advocacy support in Westmorland and Furness we’re here to help. Contact us now to find out more or to make a referral.

Your local Advocacy Team

Our Westmorland and Furness advocacy team is made up of skilled, compassionate advocates dedicated to ensuring your voice is heard.

We work independently from health and social care services, so our only priority is you. We are commissioned by Westmorland and Furness Council, ensuring that our advocacy services are freely available to those who need them.

Get In Touch

We’re here to help. If you’d like to find out more about the support available to you, contact us today.

Download Referral Form

Our team will listen to your concerns and connect you with the right advocacy support.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are struggling to have your voice heard in health or social care decisions, you may be eligible. Contact us to find out.

No. Our advocacy services are free of charge, as they are funded by
Westmorland and Furness Council.

This depends on your situation, but we aim to provide support as quickly as possible.

We will match you with an experienced advocate who is best suited to support you.

Mavis’ Story: Relevant Person’s Representative

Mavis is 73 and has a learning disability. She has lived in a nursing home for over three years. Mavis wanted to change her will to remove someone she no longer had contact with, but she had previously been assessed as lacking the capacity to do so. This caused her considerable distress.

As Mavis’ Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR), the N-Compass advocate believed she had the capacity to make this decision – Mavis consistently and coherently explained her reasons, and the care home manager also agreed. The manager asked Mavis’ attorney to arrange a new assessment, but the quoted cost was £3,500.

The advocate sought advice and was referred to a trusted firm via the DoLS team. A new psychiatrist carried out the assessment for just £340.

As Mavis found meeting new people difficult, the advocate arranged for a familiar staff member from the nursing home to accompany her during the appointment, helping her feel at ease.

The Outcome: Mavis was found to have capacity and was able to change her will. She was delighted. Without advocacy, this may not have been possible.

“Your help in sorting out my will has made me feel much better.”

Carers

We understand the challenges of caring and provide support to help you navigate the journey

Counselling

We provide therapeutic support, helping individuals overcome their difficulties

Wellbeing

We offer a range of services to help you take control of your health and well-being

Volunteer With Us

Join our team of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time to support our programmes

About Us

n-compass has dedicated over two decades to empowering individuals and communities

Our Impact

We measure success by the impact we have on individuals, communities, and our valued partners