South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) for carers

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) is a charity that provides independent advocacy. They ensure everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. They are a Pan Dorset service and work across Dorset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole.

We commission SWAN as a care advocacy service to work with our residents.

What is advocacy?

Advocacy is about working in partnership with people and taking their side. It's about taking action to help people:

• say what they want
• secure their rights
• represent their interests
• get the services they need

What is a carers advocate?

Carers advocates are specialist independent advocates who work in partnership with the carer and the cared for. They support people to have:

• their needs met
• their rights respected and upheld

Who can receive support from a SWAN Carers Advocate?

Any carer aged 16+ who cares for individuals. It doesn't matter if we know the cared for person but they must be a resident of the Dorset Council area.

What support is available?

A carers advocate can support and represent you, and the person you are caring for, during:

• care and support assessments, planning and reviews
• carer’s assessments

They can also provide general, issue-based advocacy to:

• express your needs and wishes
• ensure your rights and interests are represented
• ensure you are able to get support and access services

How to get support

You can refer yourself to SWAN’s Carers Advocacy Service or ask someone else to do it on your behalf. We will always seek your consent before working on your case.

How your advocate will support you

Your advocate is there to: 

• make sure you are fully involved in decisions that are being made for the cared for person
• make sure you have meetings where you would like them, and on a day and time that suits you
• help you decide if you would like anyone else involved
• help you to understand the process around 
  • the care are and support assessment
  • planning and review
• support you during a Carer’s Assessment, making sure you are satisfied with the outcomes 
• help you to understand your choices, make decisions and ensure your views are heard
• help you to challenge decisions made by your Adult Social Care team