being reviewed, when they need to access services and make decisions, or when there is a safeguarding investigation. The advocate is an individual who is to remain impartial and not voice their own opinions, not influence the individual in any way, and not push their own views on the individual. An advocate may not be an individual who is being paid by the person such as a carer or cleaner, however there are certain situations where they can advocate for the individual and that is if they are upholding their rights. An advocate may only be used if an individual is unable to be their own voice. There are different types of advocates and different ways of sourcing them, statutory advocates are IMCA’s (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate) – IMCA’s are used under the Mental Health Act 1983, when an individual is receiving mental health treatment, IMHA’s (Independent Mental Health Advocate) – IMHA’s are used under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when an individual is deemed to lack capacity to make decisions. There are victim advocates who help an individual through the criminal justice system, a youth advocate supports a young person through challenges they face in life such as family crisis, children who have suffered from abuse or children who are in the middle of a custody battle. Other specialist advocates are used when an individual needs support in decisions