Advocacy, advice and support: When to refer and who to

Use this tool to signpost people to further advice and support if they need it.

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Where to refer
Provider Independent NHS complaints advocacy Action against Medical Accidents Mental health services (including bereavement) Debt, finance and benefits advice
Support provided Impartial guidance throughout the complaints process. Specialist medico-legal advice and guidance. Support to process and manage trauma related to the complaint. Support to navigate debt, benefits and financial hardship.
How to refer Engage with your local authority to identify an appropriate provider. Refer directly via their website or helpline: 0345 123 2352. Signpost to your local NHS talking therapies service and/or bereavement support services for triage and assessment. Engage with your local authority to identify an appropriate provider.
When to refer
Provider Provider: Independent NHS complaints advocacy Provider: Action against Medical Accidents Provider: Mental health services (including bereavement) Provider: Debt, finance and benefits advice
When someone is making, or considering making, a complaint about an NHS-funded service. Yes
When someone is involved in a serious incident investigation. Yes
When you are following a duty of candour process. Yes
When someone has been harmed and an independent view is needed. Yes Yes
When litigation is being considered, or has started. Yes Yes
When someone has experienced trauma or harm. Yes
When someone has died. Yes
When there is an inquest, or one has been requested. Yes
When there are concerns about patient safety or fitness to practice. Yes
When there are concerns about private treatment. Yes