Accept Cookies

Cookies: How we use information on our website:

We use cookies on our website to make it clear, useful and reliable. In order to achieve this and to provide certain personalised features we store a small amount of data about you. Find our more here. By navigating from the front page to other sections of our website, you are consenting to information being stored.

 

 

BSL / ISL
PCC
PCC
FREEPHONE.: 0800 917 0222
FREEPHONE: 0800 917 0222

Case Studies and Feedback

 

PCC Advocacy Casebook

Welcome to our first PCC Advocacy Casebook.

Click here to view

As part of our statutory functions, the PCC provides an independent, professional and free advocacy service for those that have issues in health and social care in Northern Ireland.

Every year we support over 600 cases, emphasising the importance of independent advocacy in addressing issues through partnership, mediation and a relationship based approach. As well as delivering better outcomes for the public, this approach can offer the opportunity for upstream learning and prevention, increase staff morale, build trust and confidence, and maximise limited resources in a system under strain. This drive towards restorative practice is reflected in 60% of our cases in 2024-2025 - an increase from 57% in 2023-24 and 45% in 2022-23.

This Casebook provides a snapshot into the work of our PCC Support Service and provides insight into how independent, professional advocacy can positively impact on people’s lives; helping them to have their voice heard, uphold their rights and address inequality. It illustrates the diverse range of people who access independent advocacy services in Northern Ireland and the breadth of issues supported by the PCC. Advocacy interventions can impact most when people need specific and tailored information or support. The Casebook demonstrates the different forms of advocacy, including empowerment and representative advocacy, in situations that are often emotionally charged for both the people receiving support and the staff involved.

We hope that these case examples provide rich insight into how PCC can support members of the public within health and social care, highlighting the importance of independent advocacy and showcasing the positive impact we have had in people’s lives, in communities and across the wider system. Advocacy helps breach gaps in systems that leave people in difficult situations. It ensures best practice across public services, and it promotes positive systemic change when necessary. 

 

     
“The PCC advocate was easy to talk to. She listened, took on board everything I said. She was excellent!” “Please know you and your organisation have been a life-line to us. Thank you so much.” “My queries were always dealt with very efficiently. The PCC advocate supported me with advice, guidance, kindness and compassion during a very difficult and stressful time.”