Public Information PointsAdvocacy is a partnership between two people, an advocate and a person who has experienced any form of discrimination. The advocate's task is to represent, where necessary, their partner's views and interests.
People who are disadvantaged or vulnerable are often devalued by society and seen as 'different'. They are restricted in their opportunities to lead normal lives by lack of choice in such areas as: housing; work; leisure facilities; etc. They are often in receipt of services, which stigmatise and draw attention to their 'problems', thereby separating them from the rest of society.
All people share basic needs:
Advocacy is one way in which people who are in any way disadvantaged or vulnerable can be supported and encouraged to strive for these basic rights and needs.
An advocate enters into a partnership with another person. The 'partners' would be introduced to one another via the advocacy co-ordinator, who makes every effort to 'match' suitable partners, for example some people would prefer a partner of similar age to themselves or maybe an advocate has a particular skill or interest in a specific area of disability. Relationships will vary, according to individual need - some will be short term, to help someone through a crisis situation - some will be longer term. Advocates can help their partners in many ways:
If you want to know more or wish to talk to someone about advocacy, please use the contact details above.
Advocacy services are currently available from:
