About Cope Advocacy Services...

Why Choose Cope Advocacy Services?

My name is Rebecca Cope. I am a qualified Independent Advocate who has worked in the field for over 20 years. From 2021 to 2024, I managed an advocacy team delivering a range of statutory and non-statutory advocacy to adults. This included Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy and Independent Mental Health Advocacy as well as Parent Advocacy and Lay Advocacy. As well as being an advocate, I am an Independent Visitor (also known as a Regulation 44 Visitor) carrying out monitoring visits to children’s homes as set out in The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

I am now able to offer Lay Advocacy on a freelance basis. This gives me the flexibility to accept referrals for parents who live in all areas of Yorkshire and surrounding counties such as Derbyshire and North Lincolnshire.

“please note that I am unable to offer children’s advocacy”

Having delivered Lay Advocacy, I have seen the positive difference it makes to parents with learning disabilities or other intellectual impairments. The role of a Lay Advocate is to make sure that the parent understands and can fully participate in proceedings related to their child or children. The Lay Advocate supports the parent both in the Family Court and out of court for the purposes of taking instructions and preparing a case for court proceedings.

A Lay Advocate does not provide legal services nor are they an Intermediary. However, 2019 case law established that the Lay Advocate and Intermediary are comparable in terms of support to the parent. To support solicitors in applying for funding from HMCTS or the Legal Aid Agency, I am happy to provide a written quote setting out the cost of my services.

Ready to Refer or Have Questions?

If you need the services of a qualified and experienced lay advocate, contact Cope Advocacy Services today. Whether you are ready to refer or would simply like more information, I am here to help. Let’s work together to make sure all parents’ voices are heard.

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What Cope Advocacy Can Offer You

Representaton

Lay advocates can support individuals in various settings, including courtrooms, where in most cases, lay advocates are given permission to enter the court room and sit with the parent. This reduces their anxiety and better allows them to calmly take part in proceedings.

Support & Guidance

Lay advocates assist individuals in understanding their rights, accessing essential services, and making informed decisions. This support is vital for those who may face challenges in advocating for themselves due to various barriers.

Empowerment

Lay advocates strive to empower individuals by ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed, especially in situations where they might otherwise be overlooked or marginalised.

Accessibility

Lay advocacy should always be provided free of charge to eligible people making it accessible to all regardless of means. Cope Advocacy has experience in supporting people who live with physical and learning disabilities and mental ill health. The people we support will receive high quality advocacy, tailored to their needs and communication styles.

The Cope Chest – A Symbol of Trust

The chest logo symbolizes the valuable work we do together. Historically, a ‘cope chest’ was used to store precious robes, and at Cope Advocacy Services, it represents both my name and the concept of opening up. Just as a chest holds treasures, I help clients unlock their voices so they can be heard and understood in a meaningful way.

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Happy Clients...

Rebecca helped me in meetings with my solicitor. We were talking about my kids and I have mental health problems. There's no way I could have gone to the meetings without her. cos I was too scared. She's smiley and colourful so I felt like she wasn't judging me at all.

Parent - J

Rebecca supported a number of my clients both at court and in meetings with myself. Her down to earth approach and ability to calm parents who are understandably heightened is admirable. Rebecca is an experienced Lay Advocate but has also performed the Children's Advocate, Independent Mental Capacity Advocate and Care Act Advocate roles so has a good all round knowledge.

Solicitor - MM

Rebecca is a really experienced advocate and quickly builds trusting relationships with those she supports. Definitely my 'go to' person for all things advocacy.

TH - NHS Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

I worked with Rebecca for a number of years. She really cares about giving people a voice. Rebecca knows that the family court can be an intimidating place and always let her advocacy partners know that they were not alone. She has a definite passion for what she does.

SK - Retired Children's and Domestic Violence Advocate