1 Summary

1.1 This report describes the strategy for the development of advocacy in Hampshire. The strategy is the result of consultations with voluntary sector advocacy providers and Social Services staff across all care groups. This is an example of real partnership with the voluntary sector as described in the Hampshire Compact, working together to coordinate and plan local advocacy services which can respond to diverse needs.

2 Objective

2.1 The aim of the advocacy strategy is to help Hampshire Social Services provide responsive services to its citizens, improve performance and give excluded people more choice and control in their lives. This is in line with the aims of Hampshire County Council's corporate strategy, specifically maximising life opportunities and improving services.

3 Background

3.1 Hampshire Advocacy Reference Group H.A.R.G. (a coalition of advocacy schemes working in Hampshire) funded by HCC Social Services, was asked to carry out an audit of advocacy schemes. In December 2000 a report was published identifying fourteen schemes of various sizes, each with different geographical locations and funding structures. Some areas of the county had no advocacy schemes; other areas had one or two schemes covering specific care groups. Nowhere was there comprehensive coverage.

3.2 This reflected the perceived need and opportunistic responses which local managers, health colleagues and voluntary organisations had made to different funding opportunities e.g. Joint finance schemes, Mental Health Grant, Lottery funding, etc.

3.3 To take this work forward, a small working group of H.A.R.G, Social Services and PCT representatives met to develop a strategy for advocacy across Hampshire. A wider stakeholder event was held with all advocacy providers to gain agreement to the strategy.

3.4 The importance of advocacy has been highlighted in the Valuing People White Paper (2001), the draft Mental Health Bill (2002; revised Bill expected in 2004) and draft Mental Incapacity Bill (2003; revised Bill expected Spring 2004). There continues to be a strong lobby for statutory rights to advocacy to be contained within new Mental Health legislation, to assist compliance with Human Rights requirements. The Department of Health has issued guidance on models of advocacy in mental health services. An increased policy emphasis within the NHS on promoting patient choice is also enhanced by advocacy. The internal Best Value Reviews of Looked After Children and the Health Review Committee highlighted the need for a Children's Participation Officer, who will have responsibility to ensure advocacy services are available to Children Looked After. In the last two years government funding for advocacy has been provided via independent voluntary organisations and usually only small scale schemes have been successful.

3.5 Currently, Hampshire Social Services invests £297,156 in independent advocacy across Hampshire. Schemes are funded through a mixture of grants and contracts. For a detailed breakdown see Appendix 1. Many schemes have additional funding sources and a few are joint funded with Primary Care Trusts.

3 Strategy for the development of advocacy

3.1 Hampshire Social Services will work with H.A.R.G to develop existing advocacy providers to ensure sustainable advocacy schemes are available to all users and carers across Hampshire. Previously a number of small scale schemes have started up with a small amount of funding for volunteers or staff employed for a few hours a week and have not been able to sustain their service. It is important therefore to build on the current services which already have funding for infrastructure costs.

3.2 Statutory funding should be concentrated on the provision of core services e.g. a paid member of staff to provide supervision to staff and volunteers, fundraising, training etc. Contracts should specify what the funding is for and ensure consistency of outcome across Hampshire.

3.3 Advocacy schemes should be locally based and where there is statutory funding, this should be managed by a centrally held contract to allow for the consistent development of service standards. This will be implemented in 2004/5.

3.4 New funding opportunities should be explored to ensure gaps in provision are met, e.g. Learning Disability Development Fund, Lottery funding etc.

3.5 Hampshire Social Services and the Drug Action Team have funded a development worker on a two year contract to work with HARG to develop existing advocacy providers and begin to implement this strategy.

4 Recommendations

4.1 For Social Care Policy Review Committee to note the strategy for the development of advocacy in Hampshire to ensure consistency of provision across care groups and geographical location.

4.2 For SCPRC to receive a further report on the development of advocacy in 2005.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents

The Following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt of confidential information as defined in the Act.

None

Appendix 1

Investment in Advocacy 03/04