Case Studies
Kate's Story
Kate felt anxious about a forthcoming GP appointment to discuss the diagnosis of a medical condition and to discuss previous medication with a view to re-establishing it and requested the support of an advocate to support her.
The advocate visited Kate in her own home and talked through her medical history to establish a clearer picture and to identify Kate’s specific concerns. Kate was supported at the appointment by the advocate during which the doctor explained why she could not have the medication and provided further clarification of her diagnosed condition. Following the appointment the advocate went through the conversation again with Kate to ensure she fully understood what had been said.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your help and support - you’ll never know just how much it has meant to us.”
Service user 2007
Tom's Story
Tom felt he required 1-1 physiotherapy sessions and requested support to put his concerns across to the appropriate persons.
During a home visit the advocate established Tom’s concerns over his current group physiotherapy sessions and his views about a change to that provision. Several telephone calls were made to the physiotherapy department to discuss his concerns following which a letter was drafted and sent to the senior physiotherapist.
The department took Tom’s concerns on-board, re-assessed his care and received 1-1 physiotherapy sessions.
“Thank God for your organisation – it’s marvellous. Your service was a breath of fresh air. I felt very much supported. Thank you for your kindness.”
Service user 2007
Sally's Story
Sally had been an in-patient for many months at the local psychiatric hospital where numerous professionals from a range of statutory services departments were involved in discussions about her continued care and felt unable to communicate her views due to feeling anxious and frustrated by the entire process.
The advocate spent time with Sally listening to her views and provided support and reassurance to her during the multi-agency meeting. A new unit was identified and Sally was transferred shortly afterwards. Sally expressed how much she felt the advocacy service helped her to cope with the whole process.
“Other agencies i.e. nurses, social workers, doctors only deal with your illness and don’t talk to you as a person. Your service helps address this issue and that is very important.”
Service user 2007
Andy's Story
Andy had been in hospital and was assessed as requiring a care home. Andy’s family did not live locally, and through his social worker asked the advocacy service to help find alternative accommodation for him. The advocate met with Andy on the ward to find out what was important to him and spoke with staff regarding his assessment of need. Several homes were viewed and information was taken back to Andy for him to make an informed decision. One particular home stood out to him and after discussing this with his social worker a visit was arranged and ultimately he moved in the following week. The advocate visited him on two further occasions during which they supported him to raise a couple of things with staff. Andy is now settled and happy in his new environment.
“Our situation is on-going but your intervention was most helpful and gave us the support really needed to push on with social service, who are anything but helpful in our opinion.”
Service user 2007
Mary's Story
Mary had been placed in care due to the breakdown in relationship between her and her family. Numerous professionals were involved and she was on a reduced school timetable. The advocate supported Mary to express her feelings about issues relating to school, her foster placement and the difficulties with her parent and siblings. With support Mary re-established contact with her family, attended school on a full time basis and is now more settled in her foster placement.
“No improvements needed, very satisfied and would not hesitate to call again”.
Service user 2007
Suzy's Story
Suzy presented with low self-esteem as she had experienced domestic violence from both her current and ex-partner (father of her children) and required support in relation to her alcohol difficulties. The children had been placed on the at risk register.
The advocate worked with Suzy on risk assessment and risk management providing information and support to help her make safety plans and understand the options she had. They also supported her to liaise with the police to ensure effective investigation/outcomes and in her communications with Social Services and Surestart. They also helped her to recognise links to alcohol use and how this leads to poor decision making and risk taking behaviour by supporting her to access specialist help around this.
