There may be times when you need help to get things done, for example if you’re having difficulty accessing benefits or services. Advocacy represents your interests and helps you obtain the services you need. An advocate is someone who argues your case for you and makes sure the correct procedures are followed. Knowing where to find an advocate is useful if you’re a carer or someone who needs taking care of.
Advocacy services describe what they do in different ways, but their main role is to help you when you need it. Action for Advocacy (A4A) is a leading authority on advocacy services. A4A doesn’t provide advocacy services, but there is a database of advocacy services in England and Wales on the Action for Advocacy website.
POhWER provide a free, independent and confidential advocacy service to support people with their NHS complaint.
Telephone: 0300 456 2370 or at Local Rate for Lincolnshire: 0300 200 0084
Diabetes UK offers an advocacy service for vulnerable people with diabetes that is available in many areas of England and Wales. Email the Diabetes UK advocacy service or visit the Diabetes UK website.
Age UK gives advice and information to older people and their carers, family, friends and other people involved in their care. Some branches offer advocacy services. Find your local branch on the Age UK website.
Carers UK has a free advice line for carers. Call 0808 808 7777 or visit the Carers UK website for advice on many aspects of caring. Carers UK doesn’t provide an advocacy service, but can give you information on where to go for help.
Patient Advice
Patient Advice and Liaison Services – PALS is a confidential service that helps patients, their families and carers to find answers to questions or concerns regarding the care or treatment received from NHS Trusts in Lincolnshire.
As a patient, relative or carer you may sometimes need to turn to someone for on-the-spot help, advice and support. This is what the Patient Advice and Liaison Service does on a daily basis. PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns you may have about the care provided by the NHS and guiding you through the different services available.
They are ready to help…
- If you or your relatives have concerns about any aspects of care or treatment received, try initially to raise the issue with the person/service involved.
- If you feel they cannot help, or you are not comfortable talking to them, contact PALS on 0845 602 4384
- Very often problems can be sorted out quickly, so if you need help or advice. please contact PALS as soon as possible.
- Our aim is to agree the best way forward to deal with a problem and get it resolved quickly.
- We will always ask for your permission before personal information is discussed with others. We can talk to staff, management and other organisations on your behalf.
PALS can:
- Give you information about local health services
- Listen to any problems you may have in relation to your health care or the health care of a loved one or friend
- Help you ask questions about your health care
- Tell you about help and support groups for you or your carer
Contact PALS
- Tel: 0845 602 4384 A member of the team will be available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Lincolnshire PALS
Greetwell Place
Lime Kiln Way
Greetwell Road
Lincoln
LN2 4US
Other useful contacts
Lincolnshire County Council
01522 782060
East Midlands Ambulance Service
0845 299 4112
pals.office@emas.nhs.uk
Mental Health Service (Lincolnshire Partnerships Foundation NHS Trust)
01529 222266
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
01522 573969
Dedicated Dental Line (dental queries only)
01522 515386
