Lomond & Argyll Advocacy Service (Argyll & Bute and West Dumbartonshire)

Lomond & Argyll Advocacy Service (usually known as ‘LAAS’) is an independent, free and confidential advocacy organisation operating in Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire. We have offices in Dumbarton, Lochgilphead, Dunoon and Campbeltown. We provide independent advocacy to adults 16 years of age or older.

Our first priority is to those with a Statutory Right to Advocacy under the 2003 Mental Health Care and Treatment Act (Scotland) and vulnerable adults engaged in statutory processes for example, those detained or subject to the Mental Health Act, Adults With Incapacity Act, Adult Support and protection proceedings.

In some areas we are also funded to assist those challenged by Drugs or Alcohol and for those liberated from prison. Please get in touch if you’d like further information.

We are:

INDEPENDENT – this means we are separate from Social Work, the Health Service, and all other organisations.
FREE – there are no costs to accessing the service.
CONFIDENTIAL – we don’t share your personal information with others unless you ask us to, except where you tell us something that means we feel you or someone else is at significant risk of harm.

ADVOCACY is about giving people a stronger voice. It helps individuals speak up for themselves:
To make their wishes known
To understand the options open to them
To claim their rights
To defend their interests
To ensure that their voice is heard.

ADVOCACY matters because it:
Safeguards people who are vulnerable, or discriminated against
Empowers people who need a stronger voice by enabling them to express their own needs and make their own decisions
Helps people to get access to information and explore options to defend their interests
supports people to speak to the services that matter to them to express their views and wishes.

We aim to provide independent advocacy to adults who use community care services.
Our priority groups are adults with a learning disability, adults who use mental health services and people over 65.

Services Offered

Benefits
Debt Advice
Welfare Rights

Offices in Dumbarton, Lochgilphead, Dunoon and Campbeltown

Who can refer to LAAS?
ANYONE can refer to our service:

The person needing an advocate.
A friend, relative, colleague.
A carer or someone working for social/health care.
Or any other relevant service
You must gain the person’s consent before referring to us.

You can referrer by either completing our online referral form or, by simply giving us a call.

The information will be passed on to the Advocacy Service in your area without delay.