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  1. A Major Change to Deprivation of Liberty: What It Means for Disabled People

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    A recent UK Supreme Court judgment has brought in one of the biggest changes to disabled people’s rights in a generation. This decision affects how we understand deprivation of liberty and, crucially, who is protected by legal safeguards. 

    We want to break this down so you can understand what’s changed and why it matters. 

    What has changed? 

    Since 2014, the “Cheshire West acid test” has been used to decide if someone is being deprived of their liberty. It asked two questions: 

    • Is the person under continuous supervision and control? 
    • Are they not free to leave? 

    If the answer was yes to both, the person was considered deprived of their liberty. This meant they were entitled to important legal safeguards under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) framework – designed to protect people from abuse, neglect, or inappropriate restrictions. 

    The Supreme Court decision 

    The Supreme Court has now overturned that approach. 

    Instead of the acid test, a new “multifactorial” test will be used. This looks at: 

    • The purpose of the person’s care or living arrangements 
    • The wider circumstances around those arrangements 
    • The person’s wishes and feelings 

    This means decisions will no longer rely on a clear, simple rule, but on a broader and more subjective assessment. 

    A key concern: “incapacitous consent” 

    One of the most significant and concerning changes is the introduction of what’s being called “incapacitous consent.” 

    In simple terms, this means: 

    If a person appears to be content with where they live or how they are cared for, they may be treated as having consented – even if they do not have the mental capacity to make that decision. 

    This raises serious questions. 

    People who lack capacity may no longer automatically qualify for legal protections, even if they are under close supervision and unable to leave. 

    What protections could be lost? 

    If a situation is no longer classed as a deprivation of liberty, important safeguards may not apply. This includes: 

    • The right to a Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) 
    • The ability to challenge arrangements in the Court of Protection 
    • Access to non-means-tested legal aid 

    These safeguards exist to make sure people’s rights are upheld and their care arrangements are fair and appropriate. 

    Without them, there is a real risk that some people could be left without meaningful oversight or protection. 

    Why this matters 

    The disability rights community has described this decision as: 

    “The biggest rollback of disability rights in a generation.” 

    There are also concerns about how this decision was made: 

    • There was no full appeal case 
    • No detailed evidence about an individual situation 
    • No public consultation with disabled people or families 
    • No impact assessment or parliamentary scrutiny 

    That means a major shift in rights has happened without the usual checks and balances. 

    What happens next? 

    Right now, there are more questions than answers. 

    We expect: 

    • Updated DoLS forms 
    • A revised Code of Practice for the Mental Capacity Act 
    • Guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care and Ministry of Justice 

    But at this stage, it’s unclear how the changes will work in practice, especially for people with existing DoLS authorisations. 

    What should you do now? 

    For the time being: 

    • Be aware of the new criteria and how decisions may change 
    • Keep a focus on rights, voice, and safeguarding 

    At Advocacy Focus, we are reviewing this closely. We’ll be sharing updates, resources, and training as soon as clearer guidance is available. 

    Our commitment 

    We believe that: 

    • Disabled people have the right to freedom, dignity, and autonomy 
    • Safeguards are essential – not optional 
    • Changes like this must be transparent, fair, and shaped by lived experience 

    We will continue to stand alongside the people we support and advocate strongly for their rights. 

    Further information 

    We encourage you to explore trusted resources and guidance to understand the legal detail behind this decision: see useful article from Community Care here.  

    We’ll continue to keep you informed as this develops. 

  2. Advocacy Focus Expands Services in Trafford with National Lottery Funding 

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    Advocacy Focus has secured 12 months of funding from the National Lottery to expand our community advocacy services in Trafford. 

    This funding will allow us to bring back a preventative advocacy service, building on the work we already do in the area. By addressing issues early, the service helps people with health and social care needs navigate complex systems with confidence and ensures they receive support before problems escalate. 

    To deliver this expanded service, we are recruiting a 21-hour Advocate to join our Trafford team. Full details of the role can be found here: https://advocacyfocus.org.uk/careers/community-advocate/ 

    This expansion will make a meaningful difference, helping even more people in Trafford to be listened to and supported in their health and social care journeys. 

    Justine Forster, CEO of Advocacy Focus, shared:  

    “With the support of National Lottery funding, we’re proud to launch a service that stands alongside people when they need it most. Together, we’re helping people live the lives they want to live by ensuring they can access early support and services that prevent issues from reaching crisis point – with tailored, timely help that enables people to get the right services when they need them.” 

    For more information about Advocacy Focus services in Trafford, please visit: https://advocacyfocus.org.uk/advocacy-services-in-trafford/.  

  3. Advocacy Focus Chosen as NWEEG’s Charity of the Year

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    Advocacy Focus is delighted to announce that we have been selected as one of NWEEG’s Charities of the Year for 2026. This recognition from the North West Employee Engagement Group highlights our continued commitment to improving the lives of people across the region, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership for the year ahead.

    NWEEG brings together organisations who are passionate about creating thriving, supportive workplaces. In November, Advocacy Focus was named NWEEG’s Employer of Choice, celebrating our dedication to team wellbeing, development, and positive workplace culture. Being chosen as a Charity of the Year further strengthens this relationship and reflects our shared values of empowering people, building community connections, and making meaningful, measurable change.

    Throughout 2026, NWEEG will champion our work across their extensive business network, giving us valuable opportunities to raise awareness of Independent Advocacy and the life-changing impact it has on people and families. As part of this partnership, NWEEG will:

    • Showcase our mission across the NWEEG community
    • Provide platforms at events to highlight the importance of advocacy
    • Support our fundraising efforts throughout the year
    • Create volunteer opportunities for members who want to get involved
    • Explore joint projects that make a real difference
    • Bring their network together to shine a spotlight on causes that truly matter

    We are honoured to stand alongside Aphasia Support as one of the chosen charities and look forward to working closely with NWEEG to champion the rights of people across the North West. This partnership marks an exciting step forward for Advocacy Focus, and we can’t wait to share more in the coming months.

    The North West Employee Experience Group (NWEEG) has the overarching purpose of helping make the North West of England the very best place to work. They do this by presenting evidence, skills and real-life practical experiences of how business leaders have successfully engaged with their teams and subsequently improved their businesses as a result.

  4. Advocacy Focus Awarded Warm Spaces Grant to Support Community Focus Hub

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    Advocacy Focus is delighted to announce that our Community Focus Hub in Burnley has been awarded a Warm Spaces grant from Lancashire County Council. This funding will help us continue to provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive  space for local people who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn.

    The Community Focus Hub is open to anyone seeking information, guidance, or a friendly place to connect with others. Visitors can drop in for support, access resources, or simply enjoy a cup of tea in a warm and inclusive space.

    Warm Spaces is a Lancashire County Council initiative supporting local organisations to keep community venues open and accessible, particularly for people most in need. Grants like this ensure that spaces such as our Hub can continue to offer opportunities for connection and most importantly, a safe space where local people can relax for a short while.

    Since opening, the Hub has become a vital community resource. Whether someone needs assistance completing forms, a calm space to talk through personal challenges, or simply a welcoming environment to spend time in, the Hub and our friendly team is there to help.

    We are grateful to Lancashire County Council for recognising the importance of safe and welcoming spaces, and for supporting our ongoing work to ensure people across our communities are listened to, understood, and supported.

  5. Advocacy Focus Named Employer of Choice at NWEEG Employee Voice Awards

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    We are delighted to share that Advocacy Focus has been named Employer of Choice at this year’s NWEEG Employee Voice Awards. This recognition means so much to us because supporting our team is at the heart of everything we do. We came first in the ‘under 150 employees’ category, with an overall score of 86%, Anthem Engagement,  described this as an, “amazing achievement”.

    The award is based entirely on anonymous team feedback gathered through an independent survey by Anthem Engagement. Hearing directly from our people about their experience at Advocacy Focus helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to grow. To know that this feedback led to an Employer of Choice award is something we are incredibly proud of.

    Here are some of the key takeaways in the survey that contributed to the win:

    • Top words used to describe working at Advocacy Focus: “rewarding”, “fulfilling”, “caring”, “supportive”, and “enjoyable”
    • 100% of our team understand and align with our values
    • 97% feel able to be themselves at work

    Some anonymous feedback from our team:

    “Best organisation I have ever worked for.”

    “I feel valued, trusted and motivated. The flexibility and wellbeing support make a huge difference.”

    “Advocacy Focus genuinely cares about staff wellbeing. I’ve never known an employer like it.”

    “The flexibility allows me to have a proper work-life balance that I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

    “I would 100% recommend Advocacy Focus as an employer, it’s a place where people truly thrive.”

    Our team works tirelessly to support the people and communities who rely on us. Making sure our team feel supported in return is essential to the work we do. This award celebrates every member of the Advocacy Focus team and the positive, caring, professional environment they help to create every day.

    Thank you to NWEEG and Anthem Engagement for recognising our commitment to employee wellbeing, and a huge thank you to our brilliant team for their honest feedback and ongoing commitment to supporting people to live the lives they want to live.

    Together, we will continue building a workplace where people can thrive, feel valued, and feel listened to.

    The North West Employee Experience Group (NWEEG) has the overarching purpose of helping make the North West of England the very best place to work. They do this by presenting evidence, skills and real-life practical experiences of how business leaders have successfully engaged with their teams and subsequently improved their businesses as a result.

  6. Advocacy Focus wins ‘Most Flexible Workplace’ award at the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards

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    We are delighted to share that we have won the ‘Most Flexible Workplace’ award at the 2025 Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards. 

    The awards took place on Thursday 20th March at Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The event was not just about celebrating, but also about learning and sharing ideas about how companies can make workplaces a happier place for everyone. 

    At Advocacy Focus, we believe it is important to help our people work in a way that works for our charity, whilst giving people that much-needed life balance. This means being flexible with things like working hours, working from home, unlimited annual leave, and supporting each other. Winning this award shows that we are on the right track. 

    We were also finalists in three other categories: 

    • Wellbeing Team of the Year (SME) 
    • Most Inspiring Leadership Visionary 
    • Most Inspiring Wellbeing Champion 

    We are so proud of what our team has achieved. Creating a supportive workplace where our people can truly thrive is at the heart of what we do, and this recognition means a lot. 

    A huge thank you to the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards and to everyone who helps make our workplace so special! 

    To learn more about the awards and other winners, you can visit the official website.

  7. Advocacy Focus Secures a Further Five-Year Advocacy Hub Contract to Support Trafford Residents 

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    Advocacy Focus is delighted to announce that we have successfully retained our Trafford Advocacy Hub contract for a further five years and will continue to deliver high quality advocacy services for the people of Trafford. This means that people will continue to receive vital support from our charity, when facing issues related to health and social care services. 

    As part of this contract, we will provide statutory advocacy services and continue to develop our hugely successful ‘Mission Impossible’ peer and self-advocacy group. Advocacy Focus’ starting point will always be self-advocacy and advocacy awareness and helping people to learn the skills they need to advocate for themselves and their family and friends. Therefore, a wide range of free online resources, information and support will be available to all Trafford residents. 

    Our local, experienced team remains dedicated to helping people, ensuring their wishes and views are listened to and their rights are upheld. This new contract is a testament to the trust and confidence that the Trafford community and the local authority places in our services. 

    Over the next five years, we will continue to work tirelessly to provide high-quality advocacy support to those who need it most. 

    Justine Forster, CEO of Advocacy Focus, shared: 

    “We have delivered an independent Advocacy Hub on behalf of Trafford Council for almost seven years. During that time, our team on the ground has listened and responded to the community’s needs and gone above and beyond to help them achieve their advocacy outcomes. This new contract gives our charity a further five years to build on our service offer and work even harder for the people of Trafford.”  

    For more information about Advocacy Focus services in Trafford, please visit: https://advocacyfocus.org.uk/advocacy-services-in-trafford/. 

  8. Advocacy Focus Announces Unlimited Annual Leave Policy

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    Advocacy Focus has announced the launch of its new Unlimited Annual Leave Policy, effective from April 2025 for all current and new team members.

    CEO, Justine Forster, had this to say about the change:

    “We’re committed to fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and well-being. As part of our ongoing efforts to prioritise our teams’ health and wellness, we are excited to announce the launch of our Unlimited Annual Leave Policy.

    This new policy gives our team the freedom to take time off as and when they need it to rest, recharge, and spend time with family, friends, or on personal projects. By shifting away from a traditional approach to annual leave, we plan to enable our team to maintain a healthy work-life balance whilst still delivering exceptional results. We hope it will also encourage people to consider working for our charity and help us to retain the amazing people in our team, in what can be a challenging recruitment environment.

    A fairly new concept, there has been some general scepticism around unlimited annual leave policies. However, the team at Advocacy Focus has worked flexibly and autonomously for years, so they are trusted to decide what works best for them, as long as they deliver excellent work for our beneficiaries and hit their organisational targets.”

    Justine continues, “We believe that when people are trusted to manage their time and given the opportunity to recharge, they come back more engaged, creative, and motivated. This is just one of the many steps we are taking to enhance the workplace experience at Advocacy Focus, and it’s reflective of our values of innovation, collaboration, and team well-being.

    We are proud to lead the way in offering benefits that put our people first, and we are confident that this new policy will further strengthen the strong culture of accountability and performance we have built together.”

    About Advocacy Focus

    Advocacy Focus is a leading charity dedicated to providing advocacy services for people making potentially life changing health and social care decisions. Our mission is to equip people with the skills and tools they need to speak up and be heard when it comes to decisions about their lives, and care and support needs.

    With a decade-long commitment to workplace wellbeing, and three times winner of Top Employer in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, we prioritise the mental health of our team to deliver exceptional advocacy services. We help people live the lives they want to live.

  9. A Patron’s Visit: Witnessing the Impact of Advocacy Focus

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    A message from our patron, Jake Mills.

    We often hear about the great work that Advocacy Focus does, but nothing compares to seeing it in action firsthand. Recently, I had the privilege of spending some time with the incredible team at Advocacy Focus, and I wanted to share my experience with you.

    From the moment I arrived, I was deeply moved by the genuine care and passion of the people I met. It’s clear that Advocacy Focus isn’t just a job for its team – it’s a calling. Every person I spoke with radiated a sense of purpose, compassion, and dedication to making a real difference in the lives of those they support.

    Seeing the positive impact Advocacy Focus has on its people and the communities it serves has only deepened my pride in being a Patron.

    One of the highlights of my visit was spending a day at the Community Hub. While the day wasn’t particularly busy, you could feel the relief and gratitude in the air as people spoke with the team who were providing support. The approach was all about working together with those they helped, making sure each person understood the steps in the process, and respecting their choices along the way. The teamwork was seamless, with everyone supporting each other with a calm and steady presence. It was a beautiful example of how collaboration can create the best solutions.

    I also had the chance to chat with someone about the challenges of managing volunteers. What struck me the most was their refreshing attitude. Despite the difficulties that come with recruiting and retaining volunteers, they remained positive, adaptable, and full of determination.

    On the second day, I spent time with a team member at a hospital ward. If you want to see passion for the job, they are the person to watch. They approached everything with professionalism, thoroughness, and, most importantly, kindness. Watching them advocate for each patient with such dedication and care was nothing short of inspiring. Even in tough situations, they remained calm and focused on what was best for the people they were helping. It was clear that they genuinely care about the people they work with, and it was an honour to see them in action.

    Lastly, I spent time with another member of the team during a couple of home visits. They are a true professional who approaches every situation with empathy and expertise. Their ability to navigate difficult conversations and their deep care for the people they advocate for truly stood out. It was a privilege to see how their work makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.

    What really stood out to me during my time with the team was how much everyone spoke so highly of their work environment. I asked the people about their experiences, how they felt supported, and whether they had the resources to grow both professionally and emotionally. Without exception, everyone expressed how proud they were to work for Advocacy Focus. They felt cared for, appreciated, and supported – a testament to the incredible leadership provided. Seeing the positive impact Advocacy Focus has on its people and the communities it serves has only deepened my pride in being a Patron. I am in awe of the dedication and heart I saw during my time there, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing organisation.

  10. Christmas and New Year Closure

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    We will be closing for Christmas and New Year from 4:00 PM on Wednesday 24th December and we’ll be back at 8:30 AM on Friday 2nd January 2026.

    We recognise that people will still need support and help, so we’ve put together a list of services and resources that are available to you. We hope you have a safe and lovely Christmas, and wish everyone a happy New Year.

    (Click on the names below to visit the services website.)

    Hub of Hope

    A simple and essential resource! Just type in your postcode or address, and Hub of Hope will list all the services that are available to you in your local area.

    BEAT – 0800 801 0677

    Charity that helps support people living with eating disorders. They also equip family and friends with essential skills and advice to help their loved ones recover, whilst also looking after their own mental health.

    Papyrus – 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967

    PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

    The Samaritans – 116 123

    The Samaritans have a confidential helpline that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which is free to phone. They are available for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

    SHOUT – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

    24/7 crisis support across the UK. Text ‘SHOUT’ if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support.

    YoungMinds – Text ‘YM’ to 85258 for urgent help

    Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.

    Childline – 0800 1111

    Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.

    The Silver Line – 0800 4 70 80 90

    A free, confidential helpline dedicated to helping older people, who may be feeling isolated, confused, or lonely. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

    The Cruse National Helpline – 0808 808 1677

    Offering a listening ear and emotional support to anyone who has lost someone they love, or been affected by bereavement. All calls are answered by trained Cruse volunteers. View their open times on their website.