A service offering advice and support to people who use social services in Darlington has been launched.

Advocacy Together Working for Well-Being, Darlington, is an independent service for people who use the borough council's social care services and are experiencing difficulties in putting their views across to others.

The service is for people who have learning disabilities, mental health problems, physical disabilities or are older. It also supports carers of people who use services. It is free, private and can be used by people wanting to discuss their rights and any social services support they receive.

Advocacy Together can support people by assisting in expressing concerns, both verbally and in writing, to the council's adult social services department.

It can also assist in the investigation of complaints made by people who use social services and attend meetings with them and their carers.

Bryan Thistlethwaite, the council's cabinet member for adult services, said: "Together provides an important service for people who want to discuss their rights and what adult social services provides for them. It is aimed at specific groups of people who could really benefit from their independent, free service."

The service accepts referrals from people via their care manager. To find out more call (01325) 465337.