A WORCESTER charity that offers support to disadvantaged people has been successful in their bid to deliver Worcestershire's Advocacy Services.

Worcester-based Onside Advocacy has been successful in the bid, following a recent recommissioning.

The service essentially protects the rights of some of the most vulnerable people enabling them to express their views, obtain and understand independent advice and information, have access to services and support to meet their needs and negotiate and resolve conflict.

The new contract includes four services; the Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Crisis, Issue, Care Act and Complaints Independent Advocacy as well as an Appropriate Adult Service (AA).

This services are jointly funded by Worcestershire County Council (including Public Health Funding), the three Clinical Commissioning Groups, Better Care Funding and national Local Reform and Community Voices Funding.

This funding will enable advocacy to be provided to more than 1,500 adults a year in the county.

This ranges from providing information, advice and support, assessments and reviewing options to evaluating information, making representations and challenging decisions.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: "We are delighted that Onside have been successful in their bid and will deliver Worcestershire's Advocacy services to thousands of vulnerable adults each year.

"Advocacy services are vital to ensure everybody in society has a voice that is heard, and I look forward to working with Onside to make sure this continues."

For more details about Worcestershire's Advocacy Services contact Onside on 01905 27525.