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.