Emotional & Practical Advocacy
Support that meets you where you are
When you’ve experienced abuse, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Making phone calls to agencies, understanding benefit forms, dealing with housing issues, figuring out what your options are, these things are hard enough on their own. When you’re also dealing with trauma, tasks can feel impossible.
Our Emotional & Practical Advocacy service provides comprehensive support, both the emotional care and the practical help you need to rebuild your life. We help with housing support, navigating the benefits system, dealing with debt and financial concerns, accessing services, safety planning, form-filling, and connecting you with other Nour services when needed. This isn’t about us doing things for you, it’s about doing things with you, building your confidence as we go.
Support is tailored to what you need. Some people need help with one specific thing. Others need ongoing support across multiple areas. The number of sessions typically ranges from 1 to 6 sessions, though in some circumstances this may be extended.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Service
Is this really free?
Yes, completely free. We believe money shouldn't be a barrier to getting help.
How long will I wait?
Waiting times vary depending on demand and how urgent your situation is. We prioritise people at highest risk. We'll be clear about timing when you first get in touch
Can I get support if English isn't my first language?
Yes. We provide support in multiple languages. Let us know what language you're most comfortable with and we will let you know if support is available in that language. Currently, you can receive support in English, Sylheti and Urdu.
Will you understand my cultural background?
Yes. Many of our advocates are from minoritised communities themselves and have deep cultural understanding. You won't need to spend time explaining cultural concepts - we get it.
What if my situation is really complicated?
We work with complex situations all the time. Abuse is rarely straightforward, and we understand that. We'll take the time to understand your specific circumstances.
Is it confidential?
Yes, with limited exceptions (e.g. if there's immediate risk to you or someone else and some other exceptions). We'll explain this clearly when you first contact us so you can make an informed decision about what you want to share.
Can I access this alongside other Nour services?
Yes. Many clients receive both advocacy support and attend the walk and talk group, or access advocacy support with legal advice.
Will my Support Worker always be the same person?
We try to maintain consistency where possible, as we know relationships matter. If your advocate needs to change, we'll make sure your new support worker knows all about your case so they can continue your support without you needing to repeat yourself.
How long does support last?
It depends on what you need. Some people need short-term support for a specific issue. Others benefit from longer-term support. We'll discuss this with you during your first call, and this can be reviewed as you start to receive support.
What if I need help outside of our meeting times?
We'll agree how to stay in touch between meetings. In situations that involve your safety, where you feel you are in danger or in crisis, you should contact emergency or crisis services, such as calling 999.
Do I need to have left the abusive situation to access support?
No. We support people at all stages - whether you're still in the situation, recently left, or left some time ago.
I'm worried I'm being too much trouble. Should I wait until things are more urgent?
No. We're here to help, and it's better to reach out early. You're not too much trouble - this is what we're here for.
Where do meetings happen?
We offer both in-person and phone/video support. For in-person meetings, we have office locations in Tower Hamlets and can sometimes meet in community settings in Tower Hamlets where possible.
What if I need to cancel or change an appointment?
Just let us know as soon as you can. We understand that life happens and things come up. Rearranging the appointment may take time depending on the availability of your Advocacy and Support worker.
Can I stop receiving support if I need to?
Yes, always. This is your choice. If support isn't feeling right or you need to step back, that's completely okay. You can re-refer again when you're ready. The most important thing is that you receive the support that is right for you.