Supporting and Promoting Independent Advocacy in Gateshead

“Advocacy is when a person or a group of people speak up for themselves or others. It is about supporting and sometimes representing peoples needs, opinions and choices.”

What does an advocate do?

An advocate WILL…

Your advocate will only do what you want them to do.  This might include:

• Talking to you to find out what you think and what you want.
• Explaining things to you so that you can make choices.
• Helping you to fill in the Supported Assessment Form.
• Being with you when you meet with social care staff.
• Speaking up for you, if you want them to.
• Asking questions and getting information you need so that you know all the options open to you.
• Telling  you everything anyone has told them about you.

An advocate will NOT…

• Give you advice, or tell you what they think you should do
• Make decisions about what they think is in your best interests.
• Talk to anyone about you without your permission.
• Withhold information from you.
• Tell anyone anything about you without your permission.
• Speak for you unless you ask them to.

How do I become an Advocate?

No specialist knowledge or qualifications are required to become an advocate whether this be paid or unpaid.  Advocacy organisations welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and ages.  All organisations which rely on volunteer advocates will offer training to you.

Personal qualities and understanding are more important than qualifications so if you think you will be a good listener, non judgemental, are able to take on someone else's views as your own and are able to put across the views of others, then volunteer advocacy may well be the best volunteering opportunity for you.

To find out more, please contact Steve Cowen at GAIN.  Alternatively, you can contact the organisations providing advocacy services direct by clicking on the links on "How do I contact an advocate" page.