Advocacy
An advocate is someone who is on your side in meetings and helps you say what you want to say. Some advocacy services are free, and in some situations there is a legal right to one.
Applies across the UK
An advocate does not take over: they help you or your child prepare, come with you to meetings, make sure your views are heard and recorded, and help you follow up in writing. An independent advocate works for you, not for the council or the health service.
Bringing an advocate is one of the most effective things a parent can do before a meeting where they expect to feel outnumbered. Free services exist in every UK nation, though the names and the legal entitlements differ: in England, every local authority area has a SENDIASS SENDIASS A free advice service for parents in every council area in England. Its advisers are on no one's side, and they help you work out what to do next. Read the full definition of SENDIASS service for special educational needs SEND SEND is England's word for children who need extra help to learn. The rest of the UK uses other words, and other rules. Read the full definition of SEND , and children in certain mental health and social care situations have a statutory right to an independent advocate. If a meeting matters, it is always worth asking the organiser what advocacy is available, and it is rarely wrong to bring someone even if they only take notes.
Across the UK
- SNAP Cymru : In Wales, SNAP Cymru provides free independent information, advice and advocacy for additional learning needs.
- Enquire : In Scotland, Enquire is the national advice service for additional support for learning, and there is a broad statutory right to independent advocacy in mental health settings.
Where this comes from
- Council for Disabled Children , Council for Disabled Children. Checked 2026-08-15.
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