Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

Advocate can be used in a general sense, as one who speaks on behalf of another, or it can have special meanings derived from the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. There are formal and informal advocates and these can be:
- Individuals acting informally:
-- Carers
-- Relatives
-- Partners
-- Neighbours or friends
-- Staff.

- Those prescribed by legislation, such as Independent Mental Health Advocates and Independent Mental Capacity Advocates.

- Those provided by schemes run by local authorities, the NHS and charities.