What does an Advocate do?

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A Compass Advocacy worker can help you to:
  • Feel you are not alone and someone is on your side to support you
  • Gain and understand information regarding to your situation
  • Make choices about possible options
  • Communicate your needs and wishes
  • Have your rights acknowledged and upheld
  • Access services you are entitled to
  • Use complaints procedures
A Compass Advocacy worker listens to people about:
  • How it is for them
  • What the services have done
  • How they feel
  • What their hopes are
  • What their fears are
  • Where they want to go
  • Where they have been
A Compass Advocacy worker shares information on:
  • What to expect from the services
  • Where to find the services
  • How to find out your legal status
  • Who is who in the services
  • How to access files
  • How to put Advance Directives in place
  • How to contact people who could be helpful to you
A Advocacy worker supports people to:
  • At meetings with lawyers, Psychiatrists, Doctors, Care Managers, the District Inspector and Government agencies.
  • At assessments in hospitals, community or your own home.
  • To write letters, make phone calls and to make and follow up complaints.
If you need need help now please contact one of our Advocacy workers on our freephone number: 0800 212 798 or alternatively you can speak to our Coordinator Paul Baird on 03 548 2798 ext 0    you can also email us on compass@healthaction.org.nz