Supporting, promoting and developing

independent advocacy in Gateshead

Gateshead Independent Advocacy Code of Practice

The Independent Advocacy Code of Practice promotes standards of advocacy practice and is designed to ensure that people receive good quality advocacy.

The code outlines the four principles of independent advocacy:

• Independent advocacy puts the people who use it first
• Independent advocacy is accountable
• Independent advocacy is free as it can be from conflicts of interest
• Independent advocacy is accessible

You can sign up to the Code of Practice if your organisation provides advocacy, works with advocates or commissions advocacy and other services.

There was an official launch by the Mayor of Gateshead in January 2010, when all the stakeholders signed up to the code.

Participating organisations

These organisations signed up to the code and agreed to work within its guidelines:

• Age Concern Gateshead

• Alzheimer's Society

• Gateshead Advocacy Information Network

• Gateshead Access Panel

• Gateshead Council

• Gateshead Primary Care Trust

• Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council

• North Regional Association for Sensory Support

• Pathways Advocacy

• Sight Service

• South of Tyne & Wear NHS

• Skills for People

• Your Voice Counts