Advocacy

» Opportunities for Service » Advocacy

Angus Independent Advocacy is looking for volunteers who would like to take up a different role than befriending. There are many people in our community who sometimes have difficulty speaking up for themselves when dealing with government officials, health or social workers - people who make decisions which influence their lives. People with a learning disability, a mental illness, an acquired brain injury, frail or elderly people may have no-one to protect their interests - this is where an independent advocate can make a great difference.

Advocates work on a one-to-one basis with their advocacy partner, for as long as both partners want it to continue. They may go to meetings with their partner, e.g. with social workers, housing officers, health professionals, and they may help their partner to find information they need to make choices and decisions. Advocates are not counselors or advice givers - their role is to help their partner to speak up for themselves, to protect their partner's rights and interests and make sure their point of view is heard.

People who are elderly or have a disability often have little control over their lives. Advocacy aims to make people feel more confident and able to take control of their situation. Volunteer advocates are people who are outgoing and good communicators, who have a mature outlook (the minimum age is 21) and who aren't employed by the health and social work services that their partners may be involved with.

Angus Independent Advocacy trains and supports their volunteers and meets any travel expenses. They run training courses at intervals throughout the year, so you can take up advocacy at any time. Linda Bailey, the manager of the service, is happy to meet prospective volunteers at their home or at the organisation's office at 62 High St, Arbroath (near the Webster Theatre) - phone her on 434-413 or email to [email protected] for more information.

You may know someone who could benefit from having an advocacy partner to help them in a difficult situation. Angus Independent Advocacy has a range of leaflets explaining their services for people who may have need of them - you can pick them up from the High St office or ask Linda to post them to you.