What is LAAS?

Lomond & Argyll Advocacy Service (usually known as ‘LAAS’) is an independent, free and confidential advocacy organisation operating in Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire.

We have offices in Dumbarton, Lochgilphead, Dunoon and Campbeltown.

We provide independent advocacy to adults 16 years of age or older, across Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire.

Our first priority is to those with a Statutory Right to Advocacy under the 2003 Mental Health Care and Treatment Act (Scotland) and vulnerable adults engaged in statutory processes for example, those detained or subject to the Mental Health Act, Adults With Incapacity Act, Adult Support and protection proceedings.

In some areas we are also funded to assist those challenged by Drugs or Alcohol and for those liberated from prison.  Please get in touch if you’d like further information.

We are:

• INDEPENDENT – this means we are separate from Social Work, the Health Service, and all other organisations.
• FREE – there are no costs to accessing the service.
• CONFIDENTIAL – we don’t share your personal information with others unless you ask us to, except where you tell us something that means we feel you or someone else is at significant risk of harm.

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is about giving people a stronger voice.

• Advocacy is an equal partnership between the person using the service and their advocacy worker.
• It involves an individual (or group) being supported to speak up by independent trained advocacy workers:
  • to make their wishes known
  • to understand the options open to them
  • to claim their human rights
  • to ensure that their voice is heard.

ADVOCACY matters because it…

• • safeguards people who are vulnerable, or discriminated against.
  • empowers people who need a stronger voice by enabling them to express their own needs and make their own decisions.
  • helps people to get access to information and explore options while defending their interests.
  • supports people to speak to the services that matter to them to express their views and wishes.

There is legislation in place giving Scottish residents the right to independent advocacy services in specific situations.

This includes:

• • The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
    Gives a right of access to independent advocacy for anyone with a ‘mental disorder’ including mental ill-health (for which a diagnosis is not required); dementia; personality disorder; acquired brain injury; or learning disability.
  • The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
    Requires the wishes and feelings of an adult with incapacity to be taken into account when expressed by an independent advocate.
  • The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007; the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011; and the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013
    All require the local authority, when appropriate, to provide information about independent advocacy to people affected by that legislation.

Who can refer to LAAS?

ANYONE can refer to our service:

• The person needing an advocate.
• A friend, relative, colleague.
• A carer or someone working for social/health care.
• Or any other relevant service

You must gain the person’s consent before referring to us.

You can referrer by either completing our online referral form or, by simply giving us a call.

The information will be passed on to the Advocacy Service in your area without delay.