The contract to provide an independent advocacy service in Shetland has been awarded to independent charity VoiceAbility, who will operate the service from 1st July 2024.
The contract for this statutory service was recently awarded by Shetland Islands Council, following open tendering process, and will run until 31st March 2028. VoiceAbility currently provides advocacy throughout the UK and are already working in Shetland, providing a national service to support disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits.
The contract was previously delivered remotely by The Advocacy People from October 2022 to June 2024.
A key aspect of the new contract is the opportunity for face to face advocacy as well as online, written and telephone support.
If you are an adult or child living in Shetland and require assistance in understanding your rights, having your voice heard and views understood VoiceAbility can offer support.
Access to independent advocacy is available to:
- Adults and children with an assessed need and/or diagnosed mental health disorder as defined and covered by the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Adults and children with an assessed need and/or diagnosed learning disability who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
- Adults with an assessed need and/or diagnosed as having dementia who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
- Adults and children with an assessed need and/or diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
- Unpaid Carers, including Young Carers, with an assessed need who are in receipt of services provided by Shetland Islands Council and/or NHS Shetland
VoiceAbility will support you in the way that works best for you so you can understand what is happening and say what you want heard by:
- Listening to what you think about your situation
- Helping you say what you want and don’t want
- Helping you understand information about your situation
- Explaining your options
- Planning with you about what to do next
Self-referrals can be made or referral by a friend, family member or professional contact with the individuals permission.
VoiceAbility Advocacy can be contacted either by phone on 0300 303 1660 or by email helpline.scotland@voiceability.org.
Jo Robinson, Director of Community Health & Social Care for Shetland Islands Council, said, “I’m delighted that the Independent Advocacy contract has been awarded to VoiceAbility, a charity who already have a presence in Shetland. This will enable people who require this service to access advocacy face to face as well as online, written and telephone support. I would also like to thank The Advocacy People for their service to our community over the last couple of years.”