We provide Individual Advocacy for people 

• living anywhere in Lothian, either in the community or in a hospital
• aged between 18-65
• who are experiencing an eating disorder

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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 

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What is individual advocacy?

In Scotland, everyone experiencing a mental health issue, including eating disorders, has the right to access independent advocacy.

Sometimes it can feel hard to speak up or explain everything you want to say.

It can be hard to take in lots of complicated information in meetings. You may feel overwhelmed, rushed or not listened to.

Independent advocacy can help. Our advocacy workers can support you to:

• Prepare for and attend meetings
• Have your say
• Get information you need to help you make your own choices and understand your options

People who used this service told us:

“It was about having someone in my corner, especially when talking to doctors.”

“Sometimes mentioning that you have an advocate from CAPS means that people will be OK.”

“I feel more empowered chatting things through with [my advocacy worker] before an appointment. [My advocacy worker] is brilliant and is definitely helping me. I feel very supported.”

“It was good to have [my advocacy worker] with me to help clarify my thoughts and communicate better. On my own, I would become frustrated and end up getting angry. [My advocacy worker] made me feel in control of the situation.”

What can we help with?

We can help you to have your voice heard in all sorts of issues relating to your eating disorder. Examples of common things people come to us for assistance with are:

• Mental Health Tribunals
• Benefits Assessments
• Social Work meetings
• Speaking to your doctor
• Getting advice when you need it e.g. Citizen’s Advice or solicitor

We can’t give you advice or legal representation on your situation ourselves or act as counsellors or befrienders. We are there to help you explain your point of view and what you want to happen so we will never tell you what to do or take anyone else’s side except yours.

How does CAPS work?

We are independent of all other services such as health, the council and the voluntary sector.

This means we are there just to be on your side.

Our service is free of charge and provided by trained advocacy workers.

We will not pass on anything you tell us without your permission, unless you or someone else is at risk of harm.

If you would like to speak to one of our advocacy workers, please get in touch:

phone: 0131 273 5118

email: advocate@capsadvocacy.org 

More information

Please see: Individual Advocacy Leaflet (updated November 2022) and Individual Advocacy (Eating Disorders) Leaflet (updated November 2022)

Working with Individual Advocacy Working with Individual Advocacy Leaflet (updated October 2021)