Rutland Advocacy Services

Independent, supportive, and person-led advocacy helping you navigate complex systems and find your voice.

Leah Toseland – Rutland Advocacy Services

Welcome to Rutland Advocacy Services

Navigating school meetings, healthcare systems, or local authority decisions can feel completely overwhelming. You don't have to do it alone. Based in Oakham, I offer independent, empathetic advocacy and practical support across Rutland and our neighboring regions, including Stamford, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, South Kesteven, Northamptonshire, Peterborough, and Cambridgeshire. My name is Leah Toseland. I am also happy to attend meetings with you in person to offer direct support. I am here to help you understand your options, draft formal complaints, and prepare for tribunals. My services are entirely person-led, meaning you are always in control of the pace and direction of your case.

My Experience & Background

I bring deep personal, professional, and civic experience to this role:

  • Local & Civic Experience: As a former local councillor with both the town council and local authority, I understand firsthand how these complex institutional systems operate behind closed doors.
  • Professional SEND Experience: With a background working in local schools and nurseries—most recently as a SEND Teaching Assistant in a primary school specialist unit—I know how the educational system functions and how to advocate effectively for students.
  • IPSEA Advice Line Volunteer: I spent a number of years volunteering on the IPSEA advice line, supporting families with independent legal advice on special educational needs and disabilities.
  • Personal Insight: I have successfully navigated multiple tribunals for my own two children. I know exactly how stressful these processes are for families because I have been in your shoes.

Services Offered

  • Education & Schools: SEND tribunals, school meetings, and navigating educational plans.
  • Healthcare & Local Government: NHS complaints, Social Care complaints, and Local Authority issues.
  • Public Services: Blue Badge appeals and transport-related complaints.
  • Person-Led Support: Empathetic, client-guided moral support to help you understand your choices.

Ombudsman Complaints

If you've been through the formal complaints process and feel your concerns still haven't been resolved, I can help you escalate your case to the relevant ombudsman. I offer practical support with:

  • Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO): Complaints about the NHS, including hospitals, GPs, dentists, pharmacies, and other NHS-funded services that have not been resolved through the provider's own complaints procedure.
  • Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO): Complaints about councils and social care providers, including adult social care, children's services, housing, planning, council tax, and education (excluding appeals handled by SEND tribunals).

I can help you understand whether your complaint is ready for the ombudsman, draft your submission, and guide you through each step of the process so you feel confident and supported throughout.

Pricing & Booking

I charge a transparent, flat rate of £20 per hour for all document drafting, Zoom consultations, and meeting attendance.

Booking Deposit: A £20 deposit is required upfront to secure your initial review or book a meeting slot. This deposit covers your first full hour of support.

In-Person Meetings: While most support is virtual, essential face-to-face meetings can be arranged at a neutral, public location for mutual safety. In-person meetings are subject to an additional charge to cover the direct costs of travel, fuel, and parking.

A Note on Flexibility and Online Support

Rutland Advocacy Services is a proud neurodivergent and disabled-led service. As an individual living with Autism, ADHD, Endometriosis, and Adenomyosis, I have designed my business to focus heavily on virtual-first communication via Zoom or video call.

This online structure allows me to manage my physical energy and chronic health conditions effectively, ensuring that when I work on your case, you receive my absolute best focus and dedication. Because of this, our scheduled meetings enjoy a degree of mutual health-flexibility. If a flare-up requires us to adjust our pacing or move an in-person meeting online, your booking and deposit simply roll over seamlessly.

Book a Consultation or Get in Touch

Fill in the form below with a brief overview of your situation and Leah will get back to you to confirm a time slot and send payment details for the £20 deposit via Bank Transfer or PayPal. Alternatively, email directly at leahtoseland123@gmail.com.