Light Up – Non Instructed Advocacy ‘Lighting the way when words are hard’
“Light Up” provides voice, protection, and championing for children, young people, and adults who cannot clearly instruct an advocate. Our advocates work independently to ensure that the individual’s rights, wellbeing, and best interests are always represented.
About Non-Instructed Advocacy
Support when someone cannot speak for themselves
Some people find it hard to explain what they want or need.
Our Non-Instructed Advocacy Service makes sure they are treated fairly and their rights are protected.
An advocate will speak up for the person’s best interests when they are not able to give instructions themselves.
Our Service
Our Non-Instructed Advocacy Service supports children, young people and adults who are unable to clearly express their views, wishes, or decisions due to disability, communication needs, or capacity issues.
Where a person cannot give instructions to an advocate, we ensure their rights, wellbeing, and best interests are actively represented.
What we do
Our non-instructed advocates will:
- Ensure the individual’s voice is central, even when they cannot speak for themselves
- Represent their best interests, rights, and welfare
- Attend meetings and reviews where important decisions are being made
- Challenge decisions or processes that may not be fair, lawful, or in the person’s best interests
- Work independently from services and decision-makers
Who the service is for?
This service is for children, young people and adults who:
- Have significant learning disabilities
- Have communication difficulties
- Have cognitive impairments or reduced capacity
- Are unable to clearly instruct an advocate
Our approach
- Independent and confidential
- Rights-based and person-centred
- In line with the Mental Capacity Act and best-interest principles
- Focused on dignity, respect, and safeguarding
Why advocacy matters
Everyone deserves to have their rights protected and their interests considered — especially when they are unable to speak up for themselves. Non-instructed advocacy ensures that no one is overlooked or excluded from decisions that affect their life.
What it looks like in practice
A non-instructed advocate:
- Does not speak for the person’s wishes (because those wishes aren’t clearly known)
- Instead, represents the person’s best interests, rights, and wellbeing
- Gathers information from:
- The person themselves (as much as possible)
- Family members or carers
- Professionals involved
- Observations of the person’s behaviour, preferences, and history
- Challenges decisions or processes where the person’s rights, safety, or wellbeing may be at risk
How it differs from instructed advocacy
Instructed advocacy |
Non-instructed advocacy |
| Person tells the advocate what they want | Person cannot clearly instruct |
| Advocate follows the person’s wishes | Advocate acts in best interests |
| “This is what I want” | “This is what seems safest and most appropriate” |
| Focus on choice | Focus on rights, protection, and wellbeing |
How to access the service:
Please note: This is a standalone, fee-based service available to anyone who wishes to access it. Enquires from both families and professionals are welcomed.
Please complete the Light Up enquiry form for further information.
