Where to get help and advocacy

Who is an advocate?
You may want a trusted person to speak for you or to look after your complaint. This person could be an advocate. An advocate is someone who can both listen to you and speak for you in times of need.

Advocacy is a way to support and help people to:
  • express their views and concerns
  • access information and services
  • defend and promote their rights and responsibilities; and
  • explore choices

What does an advocate do?

An advocate must:
  • respect you and your wishes at all times
  • act in your best interests
  • act independently on your behalf; and
  • protect your privacy

Why might I need an advocate?
You may need an advocate if:
  • you would like extra help and support;
  • you do not wish to deal with the people or the place directly involved; or
  • you have complained locally, but you feel the issue was not resolved and you want to take it further.
The organisations listed below can help further with information, support and advice.
Irish Society for Autism
The longest established specialist service for people with Autism in Ireland.

Address: Unity Building, 16/17 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1
Web: www.autsm.ie;  Phone: 01 874 4684;  Email: admin@autism.ie

Irish Patients’ Association
Providing independent patient advocacy since 1995.

Address: 24 Church Road, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin
Web: www.irishpatients.ie;  Phone: 01 272 2555; Phone: (emergency) 087 659 4183; 
Email: info@irishpatients.ie

National Advocacy Service for people with disabilities
Provides an independent, confidential and free, representative advocacy service. The service is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board.

Address: George's Quay House, 43 Townsend Street, Dublin 2.
Web: http://www.citizensinformationboard.ie/services/advocacy_services/
Phone: 0761 07 3000;  Email: info@advocacy.ie

Inclusion Ireland
Inclusion Ireland is a national organisation advocating for the rights of people with an intellectual disability. It provides an independent advocacy service to people with an intellectual disability and their families.

Address: Unit C2, The Steelworks, Foley St, Dublin 1
Web: www.inclusionnireland.ie;  Phone: 01 855 9891;  Email: info@inclusionireland.ie

Irish Advocacy Network
Peer advocacy services for people who have experienced mental health difficulties

Address: Smithfield Business Centre, Suite 1.9, The Distillers Building, New Church Street, Dublin 7.
Web: www.irishadvocaynetwork.com;  Phone: 047 38918;  Email: admin@irishadvocacynetwork.com

Cairde
Community development organisation, working to tackle health inequalities among ethnic minority communities

Address: 19 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1
Web: www.cairde.ie; Phone: 01 855 2111;  Email: info@cairde.ie

Dental Complaints Resolution Service
Aims to assist dental patients resolve complaints about dental services. An independent dental complaints service provided by the Irish Dental Association.
Web: www.dentalcomplaints.ie;  Phone: 094 902 5105;  Email: michael@dentalcomplaints.ie
 
Patient Focus
Independent Patient Advocacy Group.
Web: patientfocus.ie; phone: 01 885 1611; Email: support@patientfocus.ie

HSE Complaints
www.hse.ie/eng/services/yourhealthservice/feedback/Complaints/HowTo/

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