Going through the complaints process can be quite stressful and difficult, but there are people who can help.

Advocates

If you are about to make a complaint, advocates can help you explore the options you have. For example, they can advise you on whether it would be best to go through the complaints procedure or whether the situation is too serious and urgent in which case judicial review may be the best option.

Advocates can also help you write letters, contact third parties on your behalf for information, and accompany you to meetings to support you.

Advocates are on your side. They work on your behalf and their aim is to achieve whatever it is that you want to achieve. They make sure that your voice is heard and that your opinions are taken seriously.

The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) 

ICAS supports patients and carers who wish to make a complaint about an NHS service. Advocates who work for ICAS are independent of the NHS and can help you explore all the options that are available to you.

The advocates can help write letters to the relevant person in the NHS, and support you at any meetings that you have to go to. They can also contact third parties, and act on your behalf (if instructed to do so by you).

Where to go for more advice

Action for Advocacy
Action for Advocacys website has a database of advocates in England.
Website: www.actionforadvocacy.org.uk

Autism Helpline
Information about services for people with an autism spectrum disorder and community care in general.
Tel: 0808 800 4104 (open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday)
Email: autismhelpline@nas.org.uk

Carers National Association
If you are living at home with a carer (such as a parent, spouse or sibling) your carer can call the Carers National Association for advice.
Tel: 0808 808 7777
Opening hours: Monday-Friday; 10am-12noon, and 2-4pm.

Advocacy Resource Exhange (ARX)
There are a number of citizen advocacy schemes operating around the country. ARX can tell you more.
Tel: 08451 22 86 33
Website: www.advocacyresource.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau
Support with writing letters, finding out about your rights, or finding a solicitor in your area.
Tel: the number for your local Citizens Advice Bureau will be in the phone book
Website: www.nacab.org.uk 

Community Legal Advice
Legal advice and details of legal advisors, including solicitors in your local area.
Tel: 0845 345 4 345
Website: www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Disability Law Service
Legal advice about community care law.
Tel: 020 7791 9800
Email: advice@dls.org.uk
Opening hours: Monday-Friday; 10:30am-1pm, and 2-4pm

The Law Society
The Law Society has a directory of solicitors in England, which you can search on their website. When searching, select the area of law you are looking for as Mental health and incapacity.
Website: www.lawsociety.org.uk. 

Information sheets from our Autism Helpline


Call our Autism Helpline for copies on 0808 800 4104.