Many people living in County Monaghan are disadvantaged by having one or more disabling conditions. Sadly, many remain isolated due to an inability to access the services they require, to enhance their quality of life. 

The advocacy service, funded by the Citizens Information Board facilitates people who have a disability to enhance their equality of opportunity, claim their rights and entitlements, access services and to support them to have their voices heard.

Clients are helped in drawing up a progression plan – including the social services required, the types of advocacy supports needed to access those services and the likely time frame involved.

Follow up support is provided following the initial consultation and completion of the progression plan until such time as the social service(s) being sought has been received or the client feels sufficiently empowered to pursue the matter alone.

Service Aims:

• To help clients / people with disabilities to identify their social services needs.
  To provide information on available services relevant to individual needs.
  To enable clients make informed decisions about what types of social services would best suit their needs.
  To help clients access relevant social services.
  To enable clients feel empowered when dealing with social service providers.
  To support clients in taking recourse actions (e.g. complaints etc.) where relevant and appropriate.
  To make service providers aware of the needs of individual clients and to negotiate in the best interests of clients where appropriate.
  To make representation on behalf of individual clients where required.

The advocacy service is offered on a free, confidential, independent and impartial basis.  Referrals can be made by statutory, community and voluntary organisations, families of the prospective client or by the client him/herself.

A priority access policy is applied, with emphasis on the urgency of client needs.

For further information contact: Pauline McKenna

Download Forms:

Application form for Carer's Allowance

Application form for Carer's Benefit

Application form for Respite Care Grant

Invalidity Pension Application Form

Domiciliary Care Application Form

Blind Pension Application Form

Disability Allowance Application Form

Health/Disabilities Links