Definitions of Advocacy

Citizen Advocate

Citizen advocates are matched with people who share common interests. They may enjoy each others company and choose to go on outings together or make use of local amenities, such as leisure centres. Over time as the volunteer gets to know his or her partner, we hope that this relationship develops to a level where the volunteer can support their partner to express their views regarding matters that are important to them, and on occasions uphold their partners rights. These partnerships are based on

C   Confidentiality

C   Respect

C   Trust

Group Advocates

As people with learning difficulties have moved from large institutions to community based accommodation, the need for independent representation has grown. Forums are supported by a group advocate, to obtain the views of residents on the services they receive. We also recognise that some volunteers may not wish to work on a one to one basis but feel they could support a group of people. The advocate supports the group to put forward their views and help them conduct meetings and write letters on their behalf if necessary.

Short-term / Crisis Advocacy

Volunteers are also needed to undertake short-term advocacy. This is also known as crisis advocacy or issue advocacy. Here the volunteer is matched with a person to work on a specific problem in their life such as housing or financial difficulties. The advocate will support that person until the “crisis or issue” is over and then will move on.

Because of definition, people with learning disabilities have difficulty in problem solving and often in communicating with others, they may need more intensive help in times of crisis. Crisis advocacy may lead the advocate to deal with bereavement, homelessness, abuse, criminal charges (as per the Appropriate Adult, Police & Criminal Evidence Act) and many other crisis situations. Advocates are not supposed to replace professionals but in crisis situation sit is important that they can provide good listening skills, be supportive, reliable and assertive.

Peer Advocacy

This is whereby service users where possible are supported to advocate for their peers as most of us do in all areas in everyday life

Self-Advocacy

Self -advocacy is defined as `a process in which an individual or group of people speak or act on their own behalf in pursuit of their own interest and needs’

However in more simplistic terms it is a process whereby service users are promoted and encouraged to speak up for themselves at meetings, reviews and making daily choices.