Mental health advocate jobs

Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Advocacy Service Manager to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA) working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.

The role is ideal for an experienced Advocate, who is passionate about promoting the rights of people who are experiencing poor mental health, in sometimes challenging conditions, but who is also committed to nurture the next generation of future advocates, as a key part of the role will involve supervising and supporting a current trainee in addition to a qualified IMHA, providing guidance, support, and skills development on casework and advocacy.

In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.

Advocacy Service Manager

SALARY: £ 37,728.88 per annum
plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice)

REPORTS TO: Head of Social Inclusion & Support Services

RESPONSIBLE FOR: 2 Independent Mental Health Advocates(IMHA)

TERM: Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)

BASED AT: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.

This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.

Mind in Brighton and Hove empowers and supports people who have experience of mental health issues in Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. Our Advocacy Services take action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests, and obtain services they need.

We are seeking to appoint an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) in West Sussex. The role will be based at Langley Green Hospital in Crawley, with regular travel to other sites in West Sussex, including weekly visits to Meadowfield Hospital in Worthing and occasional visits to the Brighton office for meetings and training.

This role involves providing Independent Mental Health Advocacy, working within the framework of the Mental Health Act 1983 to support people to understand their rights under the Act and participate in decisions about their care and treatment across the area of West Sussex. The post requires an understanding of advocacy, experience of managing a client case load, excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of professionals, whilst retaining independence.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including full induction, nationally accredited advocacy qualification and 29 days’ leave (pro rata) per year excluding bank holidays, 3% pension contribution and access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.

Full job details and an application pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Tuesday 21st October 2025.

Interviews will take place on Monday 3rd November at 51 New England St, Brighton BN1 4GQ.

Alternative interview dates can be arranged if required.

All successful applicants are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

We are committed to equal opportunities, and we value diversity in our workforce and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, disability (including experience of living with mental health issues), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

We have an exciting opportunities for a Qualified and/ or Trainee Multidisciplinary Advocates to join our established and friendly Advocacy Team. 

We work for Rethink Advocacy, which is part of Rethink Mental Illness a national charity that has been transforming the lives of people severely affected by mental illness for over 50 years.

As an unqualified, inexperienced independent multi-disciplinary advocate, you will be required to enrol on the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification and complete the course within a set timescale, using protected study time to focus on this. You will shadow experienced team members and then be observed providing advocacy to those who are eligible for our services until you are able to pick up a caseload of your own. You will receive training in the different remits of advocacy, instructed and non-instructed advocacy and safeguarding and be supported to develop a thorough understanding of the role and boundaries of advocacy. The role involves acting on the instruction of the people you support, empowering them to have a say in their situation, to understand their rights and any options open to them and supporting them towards self-advocacy. When providing non-instructed advocacy, you will ensure that the unique preferences and views of the person are taken into consideration in any decisions made by care providers.

As a qualified and / or experienced independent advocate, you will provide statutory and / or non-statutory independent advocacy to those who are eligible for the service within the community or care settings. This may include secure facilities, hospitals, care homes, supported living facilities and people within their own homes or temporary accommodation.

You will provide statutory and / or non-statutory independent advocacy within the community or care settings. This may include secure facilities, hospitals, care homes, supported living facilities and people within their own homes or temporary accommodation.

Advocacy is having someone by your side, and on your side, when you want to be more involved in decisions about your care, treatment and living arrangements. An advocate can talk through the situation you’re currently in and the options open to you. They can help you decide what you want and then communicate it to people. This is particularly useful if it’s difficult to understand things or to speak up and be heard.

Our Wandsworth and Richmond service provides a range of specialist advocacy services to Adults (and children) as appropriate across a range of disciplines.  We provide a range of statutory (instructed or non-instructed) and non-statutory advocacy support in secure units, hospitals, care settings or in the community, working with a range of health and social care partners.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Bradford.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits

· 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

· 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

· Salary sacrifices pension scheme

· Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

· Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

· 24/7 Employee Assistance programme

· Access to remote counselling service

· Paid Disability Leave

· Paid compassionate Leave

· Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development 

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; 3rd November 12:00

Interviews 10th & 11th November

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About Us

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is a registered charity with offices in Cardiff and Swansea. We provide Independent Mental Health and Mental Capacity Advocacy Services across most of South Wales, employing 44 employees.

About the role

The post holder will provide support to clients who lack capacity and to implement the safeguards of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 or the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. They will provide non-instructed advocacy (NIA) support to people who lack capacity to make specific decisions and who have no-one else to support them. The successful candidate will travel efficiently and effectively within the Advocacy Support Cymru area of operation.

This role will operate within the Hywel Dda University Health Board Area.

About you

You will have experience working with vulnerable adults and/or children, either within health or social care setting, or indirectly, for example as a carer. You will understand and have experience of working effectively in an intra-agency context with Health and Social Care Professionals. Knowledge of the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate as defined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 is essential.

Previous direct experience in the role would be preferred but training will be provided.

Essential Information

The salary band for the role is £20,047 to £23,677, based on a 30 hour week.

This post is for 30 hours a week.

All successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check.

Closing Date: 5pm, 31 October 2025.

Only successful candidates will be contacted for interview. Interviews will be conducted in English.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in Tameside. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Tameside. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.  

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

• 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

• Salary sacrifices pension scheme

• Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

• 24/7 Employee Assistance programme

• Access to remote counselling service

• Paid Disability Leave

• Paid compassionate Leave

• Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development  

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development 

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: 00:00 on 02/11.2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Proposed Interview dates: November 2025

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

NB: If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

Mind in Brighton and Hove empowers and supports people who have experience of mental health issues across Sussex. Our Advocacy Services take action to help people have their views heard, secure their rights and obtain services they need.

We are seeking to appoint a Community Advocate to provide advocacy support to clients in West Sussex. The role will be based at our central Brighton office, with regular travel across West Sussex. At present, the role may include some home working. Driving and own vehicle are essential.

This post requires an understanding of advocacy, experience of managing a client case load, excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of professionals, whilst retaining independence.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including full induction, nationally accredited advocacy qualification, 29 days’ leave (pro rata) per year excluding bank holidays, 3% pension contribution and access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.

Full job details and an application pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Tuesday 21st October 2025.

Interviews will take place on Monday 3rd November at 51 New England St, Brighton BN1 4GQ.

All successful applicants are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

We are committed to equal opportunities, and we value diversity in our workforce and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, disability (including experience of living with mental health issues), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an advocate to join our team covering Warwickshire and Coventry.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; 11pm on 09 November 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate. 

About this role:

Your Voice Counts deliver high quality independent advocacy services that support people with a range of health and social care needs. We are looking for a Senior Advocate to support our Advocacy team, and to help us ensure delivery of an effective, high-quality service. The Advocacy team provides a range of advocacy services across the North East including non- statutory and statutory advocacy roles to clients under the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act, the Care Act and DOLS legislation.

As Senior Advocate, you will line-manage a team of advocates and be responsible for providing support, developing your team, and managing performance. You will work closely with our Head of Advocacy to review, maintain and improve the quality of our advocacy services, including analysing data and producing reports. You will support the effective and timely allocation of referrals, and you will be a point of contact for queries about our advocacy services.

You will also be expected to manage your own caseload of advocacy referrals. This will involve meeting with clients, professionals and other stakeholders and ascertaining and representing your client’s wishes, views and beliefs.  As such, the role involves travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes, and community settings. While some work can be completed from home, particularly administrative tasks, access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection is essential.

To learn more about Advocacy and the services we provide, please visit our website.

What we do:

Your Voice Counts’ advocacy services promote social inclusion, equality and social justice by supporting people to say what they want, to secure their rights and to represent their interests when they are unable to do so themselves. 

The Advocacy Charter

“Advocacy is taking action to support people to say what they want, secure their rights, pursue their interests and obtain services they need. Advocacy providers and advocates work in partnership with the people they support and take their side, promoting social inclusion, equality and social justice.” 

The Advocacy Charter, Revised 2018 

Main Responsibilities:

1. Provide appropriate line-management support and challenge to members of the advocacy team, including providing case support to advocates in your team. 

2. Oversee the training and development of your team. 

3. Monitor service capacity and support the allocation of referrals to Advocates. 

4. Ensure, through regular monitoring and feedback, the quality and accuracy of case notes, reports and record keeping from the Advocates in your team. 

5. Respond to relevant queries from referrers, service users, members of the public and other stakeholders. 

6. Maintain a focus on the delivery of a high-quality advocacy service. Review key statistical and qualitative data to ensure the service is reaching agreed targets.

7. Carry a case load of advocacy referrals – the size of your case load will be dependent on the size of the team you are managing and your hours of work. 

8. Promote and publicise the advocacy service in creative ways to ensure it reaches people who may require the service. Promote the service to other stakeholders such as partner organisations and professionals.

9. Keep abreast of developments in relevant legislation and good practice guidance. 

10. Assist the Head of Advocacy and Senior Management Team to determine any future development of the service and take lead responsibility for specific areas of work as required.

11. Be an active participant in the wider YVC team and seek to work with all YVC colleagues to deliver our strategy, maintain quality and embed the values of the organisation.

12. This is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to undertake other duties commensurate with the duties of the post as may be reasonably directed and/or as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisations. 

Person Specification:

Just as our values are key to our ways of working, attitude is key to our staff team.  We work in challenging, changing circumstances with a very vulnerable client group. We are looking for someone with excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to develop team working, empathetic and supportive but not afraid to challenge when challenge is needed.  We are looking for someone who has good attention to detail and understands the importance of effective systems and processes.  We’re looking for someone who has a demonstrable belief in the rights of people who use our services. 

You will: 

• Have experience of managing teams of front line workers - ideally within the context of health and social care, and with experience of providing supervision to staff who provide 1:1 support to vulnerable clients

Or

• Have experience of delivering independent advocacy (or a similar type of role involving case work) in a range of health and social care settings

• Have strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to develop team working. Be able to motivate, support and drive high performance in your team. 

• Have a strong focus on collaborative working within a dynamic team and a commitment to helping everyone improve. 

• Be well-organised with an ability to handle a busy workload and prioritise effectively. 

• Have excellent IT skills - ideally experience of using Excel, databases and contact management systems such as CharityLog or equivalent, with an ability to produce reports.

• Be an excellent communicator, with an ability to adapt your approach in order to engage with a wide range of stakeholders 

• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with vulnerable people who often have significant communication barriers. 

• Have a commitment to equal opportunities and confidentiality. 

• Approach issues objectively and diplomatically. 

• You must have a full clean driver’s licence and access to a vehicle you can use for work purposes during work hours. Alternative arrangements can be made for people whose disability prevents them from driving. 

Desirable:

• Hold an Independent Advocacy Qualification, including the IMHA, IMCA and/or Care Act modules 

• Good knowledge of Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside and the surrounding area, including a good understanding of health and social cares services and local voluntary sector organisations. 

About the Role

We have a variety of rewarding opportunities across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead. These include roles ideal for those new to Advocacy as well as experienced Advocates with a background in statutory advocacy.

As an Advocate with us, you’ll support individuals in diverse circumstances to have their voices heard by health and social care professionals and other key stakeholders. Your work will help ensure people are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives and care.

The role involves travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes, and community settings. While some work can be completed from home, particularly administrative tasks, access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection is essential.

About You

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Ideally, you’ll have some experience in advocacy or in providing care, support, or welfare services to adults or young people—particularly those with communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or difficulties accessing support.

You may have worked or volunteered in health or social care, education, youth services, support services, or in advice and guidance roles. Above all, we’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and supporting others to be heard.

How Will You Make a Difference?

· You’ll help clients understand their rights, entitlements, and choices; providing clear, accessible information tailored to their needs.

· You’ll support individuals to express what matters to them—or speak on their behalf when needed—ensuring their views, wishes, values, and beliefs are represented.

· You’ll promote self-advocacy and confidence-building at every opportunity, encouraging people to speak up for themselves.

· You’ll work creatively and collaboratively to empower individuals to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

· You’ll act in line with relevant legislation (including the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, and Human Rights Act), and you’ll constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties.

· You’ll escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and contribute to improved service delivery.

To learn more about Advocacy and the services we provide, please visit our website.

Professional Development

We’re committed to helping our team grow. Whether you’re starting your career in Advocacy or looking to expand your expertise, we offer a range of development opportunities. We’re proud of our track record in supporting staff to build knowledge, skills, and experience across various advocacy roles.

Equality and Diversity

At Your Voice Counts, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We value diversity, promote equality, and work to ensure everyone can reach their full potential.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who identify as disabled and meet all essential criteria will be offered an interview. If you require an alternative way to apply, please contact our HR team to discuss your needs.

Person Specification

We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who can support people to be heard and make informed choices. Below are the qualities, experience, and skills we’re looking for in an ideal candidate.

Essential Criteria

Experience and Knowledge

· Experience of working or volunteering in health, social care, education, youth services, support services, or advice and guidance.

· Understanding of the challenges faced by people with mental ill health, physical health conditions, learning disabilities, or communication difficulties.

· Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.

· Knowledge of health and social care systems, and how to support people to access services.

Skills and Abilities

· Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and adapt communication to meet individual needs.

· Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients and professionals.

· A person-centred and empathetic approach to supporting others.

· Confidence in working independently, managing your own time and workload.

· Ability to write clear and accurate case notes and reports.

· Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience of using contact or case management systems such as Charity Log.

Commitment and Practicalities

· Commitment to upholding the rights of individuals and promoting equality and inclusion.

· Willingness to travel across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead to meet clients and professionals in various settings.

· Access to your own transport and a suitable home internet connection for remote working and admin tasks.

Desirable Criteria

· Previous experience working as an Advocate or in a similar role supporting people to understand their rights and make decisions.

· Experience of supporting individuals with complex needs, including those who may lack capacity or have significant communication barriers.

· Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act).

· Understanding of different types of statutory advocacy (e.g. IMCA, IMHA, Care Act advocacy, NHS Complaints advocacy).

· Formal training or qualifications in advocacy, social care, counselling, or a related field.

About Women in Prison

Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation. We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.

Job Description:

Job Purpose:
Women in Prison’s Advocates deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, independent advocacy for women in communities and in prisons, which focuses on early intervention, and holistic provision as part of a ‘whole system’ multi-agency response that looks to address the root causes of women’s offending. 

The primary purpose of this role is to provide in-depth, ongoing support to a caseload of women who have been referred for support by prison staff, predominately the Mental Health In-Reach Teams and Primary Care Teams.

Key Responsibility Areas:
1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy and support to women in contact with the criminal justice system.
2. Maintain case management systems to ensure accurate and timely data recording.
3. Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders such as statutory and voluntary sector agencies.

AAFDA was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.

Each year, around 150 families lose a loved one to domestic homicide. The actual number of suicides as a result of domestic abuse remains unknown.  Most of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. We help these families in many ways, our prime function being to provide families in England and Wales with specialist peer support and expert and specialist advocacy for the range of statutory reviews that will take place after domestic homicide.

AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) is a growing Charity and to meet the demands of this growth, we are looking for exceptional candidates to join our team in a highly rewarding opportunity. Although home based, some travel will be required - frequency will be commensurate to the role. We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse.  We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

Our Specialist Advocates support families impacted by fatal domestic abuse through provision of lay advocacy, for and on behalf of, families with a range of statutory service providers (e.g. those conducting reviews and inquiries, social services, police, housing) and work to build good relations between all parties.  To ensure that families get the support they need, you will use AAFDA’s Home Office endorsed seven-step approach to working with individuals and families, to ensure that they receive the best possible support and advocacy to restore dignity and relief for families and to help them cope and recover. Through trauma-informed approaches, you will:

listen to families and advocate for them in a complex system that too often treats them as passive participants and overlooks the value of their insight.
provide information, support, guidance, advice and advocacy on Domestic Homicide Reviews, Mental Health Reviews, Inquests, Independent Office of Police Conduct inquiries and other types of inquiries.
manage families’ expectations of the legal and procedural processes facing them by supporting families in meetings with agencies such as health, police and local authorities.
give families practical help on a wide range of issues - including help with letter writing or advocating with employers and local authorities on the families’ behalf.
Support AAFDA in our bringing families together in AAFDA’s peer support events, such as the Hear Our Voice weekend and the on-line peer support Zoom sessions, where families can speak with others to share their experiences and stories. This will involve occasional evening work.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
Excellent development and training opportunities
Pension Scheme
Healthcare Scheme
Employee Assist Scheme

Application Instructions

To apply for this role, please submit a supporting statement, outlining how you meet the person specification, along with your CV.

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification. Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants. Please note that we will not progress applications where the supporting statement does not address the criteria for the role being applied for.

About Women in Prison

Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation.  We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.  
 

Job Purpose:

Women in Prison’s Advocates deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, independent advocacy for women in communities and in prisons, which focuses on early intervention, and holistic provision as part of a ‘whole system’ multi-agency response that looks to address the root causes of women’s offending.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy and support to a caseload of women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system.
2. Undertake risk and needs assessments and co-producing bespoke support plans with women across the nine pathways to reoffending.
3. Monitor case management systems to ensure accurate and timely data recording, aligning with contract KPIs and WIP policies.
4. Champion the core values of Women in Prison, including social justice and feminism in all internal and external communications, articulating their importance to the work we do.

For the full list of responsibilities, please download the recruitment pack.

We are looking for a GM RASSO Pathfinder Worker to join the team at MASH and provide support to women.

We believe in choice and empowerment, focusing on the material impact and reality of women’s lives, and how we can work with women to create the change that works for them. We hold a strong belief in women’s assets, talents, skills and abilities. Through our services we partner with women as they access and navigate services to aid recovery and realise their goals.

MASH is the only organisation in Greater Manchester which exists specifically to support women who sex work. Through our range of services we build trusted relationships with women to keep them safer, healthier and more equipped to take control of their lives.

The Pathfinder Partnership was established between specialist VCSE and NHS organisations to support survivors of sexual violence and abuse, who have additional and complex mental health needs that are impacting on their ability to address their sexual trauma. 

The partnership offers consultation, assessment, case management and therapeutic interventions to individuals referred in via the partner organisations. The team is made up of pathfinder workers, Highly Specialist Psychotherapists and has a small psychiatry provision. 

We are looking for a Pathfinder Worker to work within MASH with the aim of supporting women identified as potentially benefitting from a Pathfinder intervention to overcome obstacles in addressing their mental health needs and facilitating them to access the most appropriate mental health support or therapy. 

It is an occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, part 1) for this post to be filled only by a woman