The Southend Mencap advocacy service has been in operation since 1999 and, over the years, it has grown into a much sought after and dependable service to adults with learning disabilities within our support area of Southend, Rochford, Rayleigh and Castle Point.
The service has grown to such a level of demand that from 2015 we went from one full time advocate to two full time advocates, as well as a part time administration assistant who herself has learning disabilities.
Due to how the other advocacy services in the area have changed, this has had a direct impact on the increase in demand for our advocates and they are regularly supporting in excess of 50 students each per month.
The aims of the advocacy service are:
- To support people who might not otherwise find an independent voice and/or whose needs might be ignored or forgotten.
- To ensure people know their rights and have the information to make informed choices.
- To empower people to speak up for their rights, making sure that their needs are met and the service they need are provided
The Southend Mencap Advocacy Service is for all people with a learning disability, age 18+, who live in Southend, Castle Point, Rochford and Rayleigh.
We can help with a wide range of issues including:
- benefits
- day services/access to other service
- accommodation
- employment
- choices e.g holidays
- conflict resolution within the immediate community
- understanding money/finance
- sexuality and relationships
With effect from 1st April 2025, the society secured the Southend City Council’s Advocacy Contract working in partnership with South Essex Advocacy Services. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide some additional financial security for the project and we very much look forward to working with South Essex Advocacy Services on this contract. As SEAS are the lead organisation on the contract, the process for making a referral for any Southend resident with a learning disability has changed. We are now part of the Southend Advocacy Hub and you can complete a referral form from the following link…https://www.sosadvocacyhub.org/community-advocacy/
There is also a Word document referral form that can be completed and sent directly to SEAS at advocacy@southessexadvocacy.org and this form can be downloaded from the following link…General Advocacy Referral Form
To make a referral to our advocacy service for non Southend residents, or to find out more information about what help it can provide, our advocates can be contacted on (01702) 334514 or via email at southendmencap.advocacy@hotmail.co.uk.