Your Voice Your Voice is a free and independent advocacy service that helps you to say what you want, secure your rights, represent your interests and obtain the services you need.

If you live in Dorset and:-

• you are over 18 with a physical impairment, sensory impairment or long term health condition

• you are over 50

Your Voice could help you.

It can be difficult to find your way around the maze of opportunities, services and benefits that are available, especially if you feel people are not listening to you.

We can help

Your Voice is about helping you to take control of your life.

If we can help you, a member of our team, who are called advocates, will visit you and listen to you.

Your advocate will ask you how you would like them to work with you. They will help you understand the different options you have, but they will not advise you on what to do.

Your Voice can help by providing you with free information and support on a wide range of topics including:

• Obtaining services you need

• Health

• Finance / Benefits

• Housing

• Personal budgets and direct payments

• Travel

• Work and work placements

• Other organisations that may be able to help you

We are here to help you to make choices about your life and obtain the services you need that are right for you.

Your advocate can help with letters and phone calls connected with the issue you are facing. They may also be able to help with making appeals and formal complaints.

Know Your Rights

If you feel able to advocate on your own behalf but would like to build on your confidence and access useful information and advice you can attend a free training session.

Training session topics include:

• Know your rights

• How to feel confident in speaking up

• Information about who can help you

The training is fun and informative and will give you the information and confidence you need to start to make sure that you get the service you want from service providers. Sessions last half a day and are held across Dorset.

Do you want to find out more about how we can help?

If you live in Christchurch, East Dorset, Purbeck contact Help and Care

Telephone: 0300 111 3303

Text Phone: 01202 416 047

Email: contact@helpandcare.org.uk

Calls to 03 numbers are charged at no more than UK geographic rates (as for 01 and 02 numbers) and will be included as part of any inclusive minutes. Calls from mobiles may be higher.

If you live in North or West Dorset contact Dorset Advocacy

Telephone: Chris Harker 01305 251033 email: christopher@dorsetadvocacy.co.uk Website: www.dorsetadvocacy.co.uk

If you would like to find out more about the FREE training sessions contact DOTS Disability

Telephone: 07951 194322 Email: jonathan@dotsdisability.co.uk Website: www.dotsdisability.co.uk.

This service is funded by Dorset County Council

Download the 'Your Voice' leaflet