Advocacy Awareness Week 2024 - Nelly's Story

Nelly (name has been changed) was referred into our service by a GP practice Social Prescribing Navigator for help with advocating for her health and care needs. Nelly uses a wheelchair and has a neurological condition that significantly impacts her wellbeing, mobility, and ability to process information.

Nelly and her advocate worked on putting together an advocacy agreement in which Nelly identified additional issues to those identified by the referrer. Nelly had tried to bring these issues up herself but felt ignored and not listened to. The advocate, led by Nelly, supported her in making complaints, escalating issues to councillors, and preparing for assessments and medical consultations.

With supported self-advocacy, Nelly was able to secure a new, more suitable wheelchair, and resolve an issue with her medication. The advocate also assisted in communicating issues relating to a long-term noise problem that was then resolved by Nelly's housing provider. Issues relating to adaptations are still ongoing, but decision makers now know Nelly's views of her health needs.

Nelly is now advocating in some areas completely independently. She has stated, "because you've helped me with so much of the other stuff, it has given me the energy and the time to do a complaint by myself. Also, I've gained knowledge by doing complaints with you. I just used to complain, but now I focus on a resolution, what outcome I would like, and I have a better knowledge of who to go to".

Advocacy work with Nelly has improved her confidence. Nelly leads the advocacy relationship, which is important for a person who has felt as though so much of what happens to them is outside their control. Once Nelly receives her new wheelchair, she envisages greater independence in accessing community facilities, too.