Advocacy

What is Independent Advocacy?

Independent Advocacy is about helping others to have their voice heard on issues important to them. Independent Advocates help people to articulate what they need and support them to get it or help represent their interests to others.

We are looking for positive, self-motivated people who respect and value people as individuals.

We want to recruit volunteers who are motivated to help support people who aged 50 or over to obtain their health and social care rights. With your support we can continue to grow this service, and help meet the growing need for help for this group.

In return you will receive training and gain experience with a local charity as well as using and developing your advocacy skills.

Where, when & how often?

You would train and work at Citizens Advice Darlington, Bennet House, Horsemarket, Darlington, DL1 5PT.

It is an immediate start and time commitment will be agreed with your line manager but we are ideally looking for a commitment of a minimum of 10 hours per week volunteering during office hours (Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm), though you might benefit from committing more hours during the training.

What will I be doing?

Once you have completed the training programme you will be:

• Interviewing members of the public and supporting them to make decisions including
• providing them with information regarding their rights.
• Helping people to express their needs to obtain the services they need – this will (inappropriate cases) include representing their interests to other organisations.
• Accompanying people to meetings and other venues to help them to express their views
• Is this the role for me?

Is this the role for me?

• have good listening, communication and computer literacy skills;
• have an ability to understand people’s needs and express their views to others;
• are prepared to commit to personal development and training;
• are committed to helping vulnerable people to secure their rights to health and social
• care services.

An understand or experience of health and social care services would be an advantage. Training will be provided.

What do I have to do before I start?

We will meet with selected applicants to discuss the role further and take up two references. You will have an initial induction when you commence this volunteer role.

How will I be supported during my volunteering?

You will be expected to follow an initial training programme which will be supplemented by ongoing training and support once you are seeing clients. You will also be expected to attend regular supervision sessions with the worker coordinating the scheme which will allow you to discuss your development and training needs.

What’s in it for me?

• You will be supporting Citizens Advice Darlington in making a real difference to the lives
• of those who have need of our services.
• You will gain experience of working on a local level
• You will receive training as an advocate
• You will have the opportunity to use and develop your personal attributes and skills

For more information you can contact Mike Robinson –

E-mail: advocacy@darlingtoncab.co.uk

Telephone: 01325 266888 ext 141