Swindon Advocacy Movement -
What is advocacy ?

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Advocacy is speaking up for or acting on behalf of another person Who is it for? It is for people with a learning disability/difficulty who may not know their rights who may not understand them who may know and understand them but because no one ever listened to them seriously before, may not be able to speak up for themselves who may find everyday problems, such as moving house or parenting issues too much to cope with without support. who have become socially isolated Who are receiving a service which is not appropriate to them What is it for? To make sure the person’s voice is heard. To make sure the person gets the services they want and need. To make the person knows their rights so they can work towards getting what they are entitled to. Where possible to encourage and support the person to advocate for themselves. There are different areas of advocacy support:- Citizen Advocacy:- A partnership in which an independent person represents the views, wishes and rights of someone with a learning disability/difficulty Parent Advocacy:- generally working with parents who have support needs and who may not fulfil the criteria for support from the Learning Disability Team Transitions Advocacy:- provides support for young people with a learning disability during a period of change in their life. Peer Advocacy, a partnership between two people with learning disabilities/difficulties How does it work? By establishing a partnership between someone with a learning/disability/difficulty and an advocate or volunteer on a one to one basis The partnership can take a variety of forms and may involve some formal representation such as going to meetings or can be more informal when the partner and advocate share time and interests. The partnership will help that person speak up for themselves or the advocate will speak for them. The advocate will work together with their partner to ensure they get their full rights, and enable them to make real choices about their life.