Providing Independent Support Through Advocacy

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Looking for support?

Call: 0121 520 8070

Volunteering

Our volunteer advocates are everyday people who come from a variety of backgrounds, need no formal qualifications and make a commitment to another person.

We offer a unique opportunity for volunteers to develop a lasting and meaningful advocacy partnership with another person that makes a real difference to their lives. You will gain real satisfaction of having put something back into the community.

What skills do I need?

  • Sensitive to the needs of others.
  • Supportive, understanding and non-directive.
  • Good communication and listening skills.
  • Able to set and maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • Able to maintain and respect confidentiality.
  • Able to empathise with and relate to people from different backgrounds.
  • Ability to respect a person’s individuality in a non-judgmental way.

What is involved?

  • To support partners within the guidelines and boundaries of the Project.
  • To work with the partner in an empowering way in an effort to promote and encourage independence as far as is possible.
  • To be vigilant on behalf of the partner and monitor situations in order to safeguard the partners interests.
  • To raise with the appropriate service providers, any issues affecting the life of their partner.
  • To support partners in building appropriate social support networks.
  • To act in accordance with the wishes of the partner, respecting their rights and dignity, and working within the Volunteer Confidentiality Policy.

What do we offer our volunteers?

  • Citizen Advocacy volunteers will complete a series of preparation training sessions.
  • Further training and development sessions (internal or external) may be arranged where they complement the volunteers ability to perform their tasks.
  • On-going support of the Volunteer Development Officer.
  • One to one on-going support and supervision.
  • Peer Support Group meetings.
  • Agreed out of pocket expenses.

Most of all our volunteers tell us that they feel they make a lasting difference to the lives of those we support.

If this sounds like something you would like to do why not give us a call and we can arrange to meet for an informal chat where can tell you more about the work that’s involved. Please call 0121 520 8070 or contact sandwelladvocacy@btconnect.com

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