A NEW county wide independent Advocacy Service has been set up by Somerset County Council to help adults speak up for themselves when it comes to their care and support.

The authority has previously provided four separate advocacy services for different types of advocacy.

The new countywide service provided by SWAN Advocacy means that all types of advocacy are available through a single point of contact.

It will offer personalised support and meet the requirements of the Care Act that came in to effect on April 1.

A Spokesperson for the council said: “If anyone is finding it difficult to understand the care process or speak up for themselves, and there is no-one else to help, then the Council must find an independent advocate who will help them say what they want to say.

“The new service will provide a single service that is accessible to everyone. SWAN Advocacy were selected to deliver the service because they offer advocates with specialist knowledge, skills and expertise to help people who are struggling to have a voice.”

Swan Advocacy’s CEO, Teresa Wells, added: “We are committed to providing Somerset residents with the highest quality advocacy support which will enable them to make their own decisions and be in control of their own lives – we are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver this inclusive model of advocacy.”

The new advocacy service provided by SWAN will officially start in May 2015.

To find out more about the Advocacy Service contact SWAN, go to swanadvocacy.org.uk or call 01722-341851 (before May 1) or visit somerset-ias.org.uk or call 03333-447928 (after May 1).