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About Advocacy Service Aberdeen

What is Advocacy Service Aberdeen?

We are an independent service – we do not work for health or social work.  We offer a free, confidential service.  We do not talk to any professionals about you without your permission.

We work in all areas of health and social care.
Our staff have a range of specialist skills.
We run a free, independent and confidential service.

We have three offices in the city area, but can visit you in your own home.

ASA was founded in 1996 when two existing advocacy projects, one for people with physical disabilities and one based in Royal Cornhill Hospital, came together.  We provide an independent advocacy service to adults within the city of Aberdeen who are receiving (or want to receive) health and social care services.  We are a generic project (i.e. we work with all users of health and social care services who feel they need the help of an advocate).  However, within this generic approach, we recognise that specialist skills are often needed; for example for people who have difficulty in communicating because of profound learning disabilities, or people who have mental health problems.  We receive funding from Grampian Health Board, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, and Lloyds TSB Foundation.

We currently have eleven members of staff and fifteen volunteers.  Within our service there are specialist projects for people with mental health problems and for people with learning disabilities.  All advocacy workers, including volunteer advocates, undergo an interview and training course prior to being accepted as advocates and, once accepted, receive regular support, supervision and training from volunteer co-ordinators.  All staff and volunteers work according to ASA’s principles of advocacy.

ASA is a Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status.  The Board of Directors work for the organisation on a voluntary basis and meet monthly.

The main office is at Aberdeen Business Centre, Willowbank Road, and there is also an office at Royal Cornhill Hospital.  A new project is currently being started at Woodend Hospital to serve the needs of older people.