YDHS Client Information Booklet (396kb pdf) - GHA Central

Advocacy
Clients of YDHS are encouraged to have an advocate if they
would like to, or if they feel they need someone to represent
their wishes or act on their behalf. An advocate can be
nominated at any time.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is a person who supports another person to
ensure their rights are upheld and to help them participate in
decisions. An advocate may represent and speak on behalf of
that person or guide the person with advice about what to do in
a given situation.
Who can be an advocate?
Anyone can be an advocate. It could be a friend, family
member, carer, health care professional or other professional.
There are also organisations that offer advocacy and these are
listed on the next page.
Why would you need an advocate?
Under normal circumstances, most people do not need to have
an advocate. However there may be circumstances when you
would like to or need to have an advocate to represent your
wishes or act on your behalf. This may be as simple as asking
a relative to be with you when you see a health professional to
assist with communication or it could for example, involve
another person actively seeking services for you on your
behalf. Sometimes it helps to have a friend or family member
with you if you need to make a decision but you are uncertain
about what is happening, such as consenting to medical
treatment. You are free to nominate an advocate at any time.
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