Advocacy

If you live in Tendring and you are at risk of homelessness or are experiencing homelessness, we can help. 

 

SUMMIT are part of the SHELLS project which is delivered by multiple partners to provide support for the homeless or those at risk of homelessness.

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The Health Advocate will work with you to address health inequalities. We can support you to register with GPs, attend health appointments, find out more about additional housing services and provide an independent voice. 

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If you live in Tendring our Health Advocate is on board the SOS bus which is located in the town centre of Clacton on Sea and Dovercourt.

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Details of the SOS bus locations and operating times below:

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Monday: SOS Bus Harwich - Kingsway, Dovercourt, CO12 3JR

Time: 10am till 2pm

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Friday SOS Bus Clacton - Opposite Mc Donalds in Pier Avenue,

CO15 1QN

Time: 10am till 3pm

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How to refer

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Call: 01255 429778

Email: info@summitservices.org.uk

SUMMIT provides Advocates to people living in Tendring and Colchester who may need some support, with the aim of helping you keep your tenancy.

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We will support you to access appropriate trauma support, mental and physical health access, as well as appropriate professional support via statutory or voluntary services.

 

You will not be simply signposted to other agencies - we will be there with you every step of the way. We want to empower you to identify the skills and support you may need to remain in a tenancy and help to enable you to connect to local resources available, with the goal of moving towards sustainable community engagement.

 

How to refer

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Call: 01255 429778

Email: info@summitservices.org.uk

If you have been discharged from a psychiatric hospital, or are going to be discharged soon, and you reside in the Tendring area we can support you.

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The Discharge Support Advocate will:

• Provide a first point of community contact and agree methods of contact

• Carry out a robust ‘Welfare Check’ to ensure you have access to the commodities and resources you need gas/electricity/food/medication/contact with key people who can provide crisis support)

• Support you to engage with the professionals involved in your discharge plan and ongoing community treatment if appropriate

• Provide an appointment buddy if required (GP, Hospital appointments)

• Correspondence support (supported phone calls, including unpacking written communication and responding on your behalf if consented)

• Provide you with an independent voice and community representation

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Our Discharge Support Advocate will help you understand your rights to ongoing care and treatment, support you to access these in the community and help you build connections.

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Our Discharge Support Service supports residents who live in the Tendring area.

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How to refer

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Call: 01255 429778

Email: info@summitservices.org.uk

Do you need support from our Inclusion Advocacy Service?

Our Inclusion Advocate can help you to begin your journey towards meaningful employment. The Inclusion Advocate will identify any obstacles or challenges that you may be facing and work with you to develop and reach realistic goals towards employability.

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An Inclusion Advocate will:

• Listen to you 

• Look at issues with you realistically, providing non judgemental support

• Enable you to have improved access and support to community resources

• Improving engagement with agencies, such as DWP

• Support you to look at any entitlements you may be eligible to receive

• Make challenges on your behalf if you feel you have been unfairly treated

 

The Inclusion Advocate will act as a go-between for you and other agencies to help you identify any obstacles or challenges you may face to inclusion.

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How to refer

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Call: 01255 429778

Email: info@summitservices.org.uk