top of page

We're proud to part of the founding of Advocacy in the UK. And even more so that we continue to thrive as one of the largest providers today.

Our History

Image by Matt Foxx

1994

HVA

As Hastings Voluntary Action, we started our first advocacy services in East Sussex.

2000

SEAP

We split from HVA to become an independent organisation called SEAP: South East Advocacy Projects

2003

ICAS

To reflect our broadening area of service delivery, we make a small change to the meaning of SEAP: South of England Advocacy Projects, delivering Independent Complaints Advocacy Services (ICAS) across southern England. For the first time, anyone could get help making a complaint about an NHS service.

2005

Mental Capacity Act

The Mental Capacity Act introduced advocacy for people who are unable to make their own decisions.

2009

Mental Health Act

The Mental Health Act introduced advocacy for people who are detained in a mental health hospital, unit or ward.

2014

Care Act

The Care Act introduced advocacy for people who have care and support needs.

2017

Charity Times Award

Our project working with Comic Relief, to build an app supporting people with disabilities wins the Charity Times Award for Best Use of Technology.

2020

​

The Advocacy People

We rebrand to The Advocacy People, easy to say, easy to remember and focusing in on our reason for being: People (we also deliver services in various parts of the country, not just the South East)

2024

Healthwatch

We are the largest provider of Healthwatch services in the UK, with 7 individual services around the country

Welcome

Welcome to The Advocacy People’s website!

 

I’m Matthew Hilton, the CEO here, and I’m delighted that you've taken the time to learn more about our organisation.

 

We work with people and in communities across the country to give them a stronger voice in the services that affect their lives. Through what we do across Advocacy and Healthwatch, we ensure that people's experiences, views, and rights are heard, understood, and acted upon. By amplifying voices and connecting decision-makers with lived experience, we help shape better health, care, and public services for everyone.

 

So, again, thanks for visiting. I hope that the material on this website will help you to find a route to working with some of my great colleagues on our journey, making a positive difference for the people and communities we serve.

 

Matthew

Image by Ian Schneider

  • We put people first. Everyone has the right to feel empowered to speak up and access the support they need, whether it's through advocacy or local voices being heard.

  • Fairness matters. We believe in an equal society where decisions are made fairly, with those impacted actively involved in shaping those decisions.

  • We make a difference together. By creating a positive and supportive workplace, we enable our teams to deliver impactful work, whether on the frontline or behind the scenes.

  • Everyone deserves to be heard. From individuals to communities, we strive to amplify voices at every level of decision-making to create meaningful change.

Our Values

  • To help anybody that needs independent support to speak up

  • To deliver quality and innovation in advocacy through our practice

  • To improve people’s lives individually and collectively through putting their case to policymakers

Our Mission

bottom of page