Advocacy services in North Lanarkshire have received a huge boost with a 31% increase in funding for the next five years.
North Lanarkshire’s Integration Joint Board (IJB) this week approved the Lanarkshire Advocacy Plan 2025–2030. As a result, investment in advocacy support is increasing significantly in North Lanarkshire to £968,694 per year in 2025; a 34% increase on the amount delivered through the previous plan.
The increased investment will strengthen access to advocacy for children, young people, adults, carers, and people living with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and other conditions.
Advocacy plays a vital role in supporting people to have their voices heard, understand their rights, and participate fully in decisions about their care when navigating potentially complex health and social care systems. Independent advocates act solely in the interests of the person they support, helping them express their wishes and make informed choices.
Brian Moore, Chair of North Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board, said: “Investment in advocacy in North Lanarkshire has risen to nearly £1 million a year which demonstrates our commitment to person-centred, rights-based care.
“This is a significant commitment as independent advocacy enables people to have their voice heard, exercise their rights, and participate fully in decisions affecting their care.
“The new plan strengthens people’s rights by ensuring access to independent advocacy across mental health, learning disability, dementia and other areas where it’s needed.
“Central to this plan is that it ensures people can participate fully in decisions about their care and support, free from conflicts of interest.
“The 31% increase in investment means more people across North Lanarkshire will have access to high-quality advocacy when they need it most. This is a vital safeguard, particularly for people navigating complex health and social care systems.
“To ensure advocacy services meet the needs of our residents, stakeholder engagement was central to shaping the plan. It was shared widely with partner organisations and community stakeholders, ensuring gaps were identified, feedback was incorporated, and the final plan reflects shared priorities.”
A formal launch event for the Lanarkshire Advocacy Plan 2025–2030 will take place early next year.
University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire leads the plan which will formally launch early next year. The plan is a collaborative partnership across both Lanarkshire councils, both health and social care partnerships, NHS Lanarkshire and local advocacy organisations.
