CAPS today launches a new Independent Advocacy service for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Many in the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced situations where they didn’t feel they were listened to, understood or treated fairly by services because of their identity.
LGBTQIA+ people in Midlothian can now access a CAPS Individual Advocacy worker to be by their side and strengthen their voice in situations like this. Independent advocacy is there to support you to say how you feel and what you want to happen, and to get the information you need to understand your rights and options.
How can this service help LGBTQIA+ people?
This new service for the LGBTQIA+ community is broad and inclusive. CAPS can help with any issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. We expect that supporting transgender people to access gender-affirming healthcare will be a prominent issue. Housing and homelessness, education, employment and health will also be common areas where people might ask for advocacy. If you identify as LGBTQIA+ this service means you can benefit from having someone on your side to help you have a stronger voice.
How does Individual Advocacy work?
This is an individual advocacy service. Individual advocacy is provided one-to-one by advocacy workers who can:
- assist people to express their own views and wishes;
- speak on behalf of individuals if the person asks us to;
- provide information, not advice, so people can understand situations and make informed choices and decisions.
Advocacy can support people to navigate complex systems. It can help people feel more heard and understood by services involved in their lives. It helps people to have more choice and control over their situation.
How can I access it?
This LGBTQIA+ independent advocacy service is for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, is aged between 16 and 65 and who lives in the Midlothian Council local authority area. Unfortunately we are not funded to work outside this area.
If you would like to speak to one of our advocacy workers, please get in touch:
phone: 0131 273 5118
or email: advocate@capsadvocacy.org
