Fourth Annual Casebook from the National Advocacy Service and the Patient Advocacy Service showcases the vital role that representative and empowerment Independent Advocacy play in protecting people’s rights.
The National Advocacy Service (NAS), and the Patient Advocacy Service are pleased to announce the release of their Casebook 2025. Now in its fourth year, the Casebook has become an integral part of the work carried out by both Services, providing a voice to the lived experiences of those supported by NAS and the Patient Advocacy Service. This year’s Casebook includes 15 case examples from NAS and 11 from the Patient Advocacy Service. The publication details the complex advocacy work carried out by Advocates in both services and highlights the crucial role independent, professional advocacy can play in supporting people to have their human rights protected and promoted.
Each case example demonstrates how Advocates in both services help breach gaps in systems, ensure best practice across public services, promote positive systemic changes, and show how independent representative and empowerment advocacy has a positive impact both for individuals and in communities across Ireland. The Casebook covers topics such as access to justice, decision-making, parenting with a disability, housing, hospital and nursing home complaints, and patient safety incidents.
In Casebook 2025, you will learn how a NAS Advocate supported Jamie to navigate the child-in-care system and how representative advocacy supported Mary to gain access to her own finances and live independently. We will share the experience of Joe who was supported by an Advocate from the Patient Advocacy Service to address issues with his care in a nursing home and how Anne felt empowered to make a complaint to her local hospital. Each case demonstrates the power of advocacy in action and the unwavering commitment Advocates have to social justice and the people they support.
Joanne Condon, National Manager with NAS said:
“We are delighted to share the fourth Casebook developed by the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) and the Patient Advocacy Service. The Casebook stands as a powerful reflection of the voices, experiences and impact that continue to shape our work. Each personal story demonstrates what is possible when people are supported to understand and claim their rights. We remain committed to ensuring that every person is empowered to speak for themselves and be at the centre of decisions that affect their lives.
This year’s Casebook is particularly significant as it includes examples of advocacy support relating to Assisted Decision-Making. The stories demonstrate how NAS has supported individuals to make their own decisions with the necessary supports. The examples showcase the practical application of the Act, and the key role independent advocacy plays in supporting people.
NAS is dedicated to working with key stakeholders to promote progressive systemic change across public services for people with disabilities. This year’s Casebook is a testament to the value of collaboration, and the critical role independent representative advocacy plays in enabling people to exercise their rights and access the supports they require.”
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