National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities

The service is available to people who have a disability and require support to access their entitlements. No appointment necessary

Empowering Through Partnership

The National Advocacy Service is a nationwide advocacy programme,funded by the Citizens Information Board, whereby independent advocacy projects are available across the 26 counties. The project aims to meet the needs of people with some form of disability. Westmeath Citizens Information Service mangage the service for the north east and north midlands region, covering counties, Monaghan, Cavan, Louth, Meath, Longford and Westmeath.

The service provides an advocacy service for people who:

Experience difficulties in accessing services
- Are unclear regarding services and entitlements
- Feel there are necessary services that are not being provided
- Are not being listened to

The service is Free, Confidential and Independent. Advocates are based in Citizens Information Services throughout the region.

Referrals to the service come in a variety of ways including from medical professionals, community voluntary and statutory agencies, through the citizens information centre and self referral.

What an advocate can do for the client:
- Help the client find out information so that they can make an informed decisions
- Support in making a decision
- Help the client communicate with other people; this could be a family member, a personal assistant, staff member, health worker, social worker or relative.

Advocacy means ‘standing with’ or ‘speaking for’ someone

The services has policies and procedures that inform our work so that at all times the values of Empowerment, Autonomy, Inclusion, Confidentiality and Citizenship will be upheld.

Service Contact Details:
National Advocacy Service
Westmeath Citizens Information Service,
St. Mary’s Square,
Athlone.

Tel: 0906478851