We are delighted to announce that Sandwell Advocacy have been awarded three year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver the Parents Advocacy, Guidance and Empowerment (PAGE) Project.
The project is part of a Communities in Sync consortia bid and will delivered in partnership with Ideal for All.
The project will employ an Independent Advocacy Practitioner and an Independent Living Skills Officer who will provide support for adults in Sandwell who have a learning disability or autism who are subject to Children’s Social Care or Early Help intervention, for example:
- The Early Help process.
- Where there is an agreed Child in Need plan.
- Where matters have been escalated to a child protection plan and subject to a Section 47 enquiry.
- Where matters have progressed to court proceedings.
- Where a child or children have been removed and are subject to interim care orders.
Sandwell Advocacy and Ideal for All will be working closely to deliver a dual advocacy and independent living schools service. Sandwell Advocacy will develop a trusted relationship which is user-led and will aim to ensure that parents with a learning disability understand proceedings, that they explore their options and avenues, that they have a voice and are enabled to speak up for themselves and that they are placed at the heart of the decision-making process. Ideal for all will deliver a range of practical and hands on one to one and group sessions with an emphasis on early help and prevention.
Please look out for more information as the service is set up and established. Should you have any queries in the meantime please contact Dave Bradshaw (CEO) on 0121 520 8070 or email sandwelladvocacy@btconnect.com