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How do I get an advocate?

I applied for PIP in November of last year due to mental health issues making it impossible for me to work but, as I’m sure we all expect by now, I was refused with 0 points after the face to face meeting. I’m now taking it to tribunal because I can’t claim any other benefits due to my boyfriend working though he’s also been refused PIP now after trying to switch from DLA even though he has autism but that’s a whole different story.
One of my main mental health issues is anxiety so as you can imagine I’m finding the whole process confusing and horrid so I’m trying to find out how to get an advocate! I won’t have anyone to go with me otherwise and I don’t even want to think about how I’d manage that. So, how do I go about getting an advocate?!
One of my main mental health issues is anxiety so as you can imagine I’m finding the whole process confusing and horrid so I’m trying to find out how to get an advocate! I won’t have anyone to go with me otherwise and I don’t even want to think about how I’d manage that. So, how do I go about getting an advocate?!
Replies
One of my main mental health issues is anxiety so as you can imagine I’m finding the whole process confusing and horrid so I’m trying to find out how to get an advocate! I won’t have anyone to go with me otherwise and I don’t even want to think about how I’d manage that. So, how do I go about getting an advocate?!
Hope yr well .. Have u asked anyone locally if they have knowledge of PIP and the way the system works, also if they would be available to go with u. Sometimes it’s better to have someone you know and trust with you.
All the best
Sue
x
My daughters circumstances are somewhat different to yours in that she has learning disabilities. When I was looking for an Advocate to attend f2f for PIP with us I first approached the local Community Learning Disabilities Team of Social Services Department (Wakefield Council) who gave me the phone number for Advocacy services in our area. I rang them and they agreed that my daughter would have the services of an Advocate for her f2f. As it happened she didn't need one as she was awarded PIP on paper based assessment. Have you got a Social Worker or Mental Health worker? If so contract them or try your local Social Services Department or maybe Scope in your area may be able to tell you. I'm not sure, however, if every area provides this service because of cut backs. Good Luck to you.
Theres noughthing like that local to me and i live in a big city
I live in the sticks so can understand your problem which shouldn't be a problem.
What city is it?