A FREE service supporting Northumberland people to be heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing has launched.

Voice and rights charity VoiceAbility started a contract earlier this month with Northumberland County Council to provide various advocacy services for adults in the area.

This includes providing independent support for people detained under the Mental Health Act, for people deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital, and for decisions about care and support.

People in Northumberland can get support with making a complaint about their NHS treatment or care, as well as general advocacy which does not fall under specific government legislation such as the Care Act.

VoiceAbility’s operations manager for the North East, Caroline Entwistle, said: “VoiceAbility is passionate about supporting people to be heard when it matters most.

“We’re really pleased to be working with Northumberland County Council and support networks across the area to reach as many people in Northumberland who need our services as possible.”

The team will also be meeting regularly at Hexham Community Centre.

For more information about the free services VoiceAbility provides in Northumberland, visit voiceability.org/northumberland.