Renfrewshire Council

You First advocacy service

You First is an independent advocacy service to adults within Renfrewshire who are receiving health and social care services.

Advocacy is about empowering people standing up for and supporting their rights and wishes, taking their side and ensuring that they are being listened to as they engage with services.

You First are an issue-based, professional service which provides support to individuals living in Renfrewshire who have an issue(s) with their care in the community and in hospital. 

We also provide help and support with housing problems, benefits, debt, care packages, hospital treatment, complaints and support to those who are subject to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act. Though this list is fairly comprehensive, the service provides support with many other issues.

You First Advocacy supports clients who have mental health difficulties, physical difficulties, learning difficulties and older people. We will also provide information and signposting to other services who may assist in resolving issues and concerns.

To do this we can:

  • attend meetings with you or represent you, to help raise the issues that are important to you
  • write and or telephone agencies on your behalf, and
  • help you to make a complaint if you are not happy with a service you are receiving.

How we do this

  • We meet with you to discuss the issue you would like our help with.
  • We can discuss your options with you.
  • We will make an agreement with you about how to move things forward and the course of action you wish to take.

You First Advocacy do not give advice to clients but will discuss their options with them. The service will support the client until his or her issue is resolved in terms of their legal rights and/or their desired outcome. The service is confidential and adheres to Data Protection.

Find out more on the You First Advocacy website.