Professional referrals
Find out how and where we can support your service users.
Make a referral
To refer somebody to one of our services please choose from the following options. For more information on each option see below.
Please note: these are services that only health and care professionals can refer people into. If you are a member of the public and are seeking support from us please see our Find a Service page.
Our statutory services
Click below to find out about each type of advocacy.
Independent Care Act advocacy
For people involved in social care processes who find it difficult to understand, retain, or communicate information – and have no one appropriate to support them.
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
For people who lack capacity to make a specific decision and have no family or friends to support. There are three types:
- DoLS 38/A/C/D (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards): when someone is, or may be, deprived of their liberty in a hospital or care home.
- DoLS RPPR (Relevant Person’s Paid Representative): every person subject to a DoLS authorisation must have a representative. If no family member or friend is available or suitable, an independent RPPR is appointed.
- Non-DoLS: advocates are involved when someone lacks capacity and has no family or friends to consult during major decisions about serious medical treatment, change of accommodation, or safeguarding.
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
For people detained or treated under the Mental Health Act.
Spot purchase advocacy
Spot Purchase advocacy is when a council or NHS body arranges a one-off advocate for someone who has a legal right to advocacy, but no regular service is available. It helps make sure everyone who needs an advocate can get support, even in special or urgent situations.
Spot purchases
We also offer spot purchase advocacy for commissioners who are seeking to supply advocacy on a one-off, case-by-case basis rather than through a regular, ongoing contract with an advocacy provider.
If you are interested in spot purchasing our services then please visit our dedicated Spot Purchase service page.
About us
The Advocacy Project is a UK charity with a long history of championing people’s rights and ensuring their voices are heard.
With years of experience in both statutory and community advocacy, we have developed deep expertise across a wide range of areas, including mental health, learning disabilities, safeguarding, accessibility and social care.
Committed to independence, fairness, and person-centred support, we work tirelessly to empower individuals to participate fully in decisions that affect their lives.
Our statutory services
Kensington & Chelsea Independent Care Act Advocacy (ICAA)
Kensington & Chelsea Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
What people say about our services
The advocate I had was very attentive and flexible around my needs as a service user…knowing I had a voice on the ward in relation to my care and treatment was a lifeline!
John
If it wasn’t for your outstanding support, I would have felt trapped and alone. I am extremely grateful for what you do.
Ali
The Advocacy Project has been excellent in giving my client a voice.
Daniella
The IMHA service at The Advocacy Project probably saved my life…The fact I had an advocate meant I had a voice, even when I couldn’t full articulate myself.
John