New independent advocacy provider from 1 April 2025
New independent advocacy provider from 1 April 2025
East Sussex County Council has appointed a new independent advocacy provider.
An advocate supports someone to understand their rights and options and express their views and wishes.
From 1 April 2025 South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) will offer the following for people currently accessing social care and mental health services in East Sussex:
• Care Act Advocacy for adults
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy for adults, children & young people
• Specialist Advocacy for children & young people
SWAN won’t provide Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) for adults, as that’s arranged separately in a Sussex-wide contract. The advocacy services for children and young people provided by Asphaleia will continue unchanged.
SWAN is contacting local organisations that make advocacy referrals. They’ll post service information and referral forms on their website before 1 April: swanadvocacy.org.uk/services-near-you/east-sussex
The current provider POhWER will be supporting people until 31 March. With their permission, people receiving support will then transfer to SWAN from 1 April.
