Gateshead Carers provides advocacy support for carers looking after a child or sibling with learning disabilities, including Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Support workers aim to empower carers to speak up about issues that affect them, as well as representing their views and wishes to others. They will not advise the carer what to do but will help explore options before the carer decides what to do. Where other advice and information is needed the advocate can arrange meetings and attend with the carer, signpost the carer to other organisations, contact others on their behalf and help explain and discuss what the carer can then do.

Advocates can write letters and emails on behalf of the carer, make phone calls, support them at meetings, speak on their behalf, support them to speak for themselves, help make complaints and help ensure their views are heard by services, professionals and agencies they come into contact with.