Disability Direct Awarded Contract to Improve Advocacy Services in Derby
Disability Direct has been awarded a local authority contract by Derby City Council, part-funded by the NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, to deliver an Integrated Independent Advocacy Service – empowering vulnerable people to navigate health and care systems and access vital support.
This newly awarded contract further strengthens the charity’s long-standing advocacy work, enabling it to provide both statutory and non-statutory advocacy.
The Disability Direct Advocacy service, launched on 1st April 2025, includes Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, NHS Complaints Advocacy, Care Act Advocacy, and Specialist Advocacy.
Natasha Jacobs, Operations Lead at Disability Direct, said: “This is a huge milestone for us. Advocacy has always been at the heart of what we do, and now, with this contract, we can help even more people with this dedicated, recognised service – ensuring individuals get much-needed support at the most critical moments in their lives.
“Disability Direct is a free, confidential, rights-based charity dedicated to empowering disabled people and older individuals by promoting their independence, rights, choices, and control. We also offer a range of services to support their families, carers, and wider support system.”
The contract also enables Disability Direct to offer broader community advocacy, helping individuals with issues such as financial matters, social inclusion, housing challenges, and signposting to appropriate support services. Additionally, individuals can access Talking Therapy for emotional wellbeing support, which is free for up to 12 sessions.
Natasha added: “Advocacy is about empowerment. It’s about making sure people have a voice, that they can challenge decisions, and that they feel confident to take control of their own care and support.
“For more than 30 years, we’ve provided advocacy as part of our work, but this contract gives us the opportunity to showcase all the support available and to make an even greater impact. It solidifies what we’ve always believed – that advocacy is vital, and that everyone deserves to be heard, seen, and supported.”
The contract will run for three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Referrals for the service can now be made through tailored referral forms available on the Disability Direct website.
For more information or to make a referral, visit www.disabilitydirect.com, call 01332 299 499 (option 2), or email advocacy@disabilitydirect.com.
