Introduction
This module explains what advocacy is and how it works.
Advocacy means:
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Supporting and empowering people
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Helping people make their own choices
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Listening to the person’s wishes
Advocacy is the person’s choice. They decide when and how they want help.
An advocacy worker does different work than a carer or support worker.
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For example, an advocate does not help clean, cook, or shop.
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The advocate focuses on the person’s rights and interests.
Definitions of Advocacy
Voice’s Definition:
Advocacy is a tool to support people so they can take responsibility for their situation.
It helps them know when to get support and when to do things for themselves.
My Definition:
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Self-advocacy: Making your own choices
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Peer advocacy: Helping people make their own choices
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Group advocacy: Speaking up for other people’s rights (for example, benefits or services)
The Aims of Advocacy
An advocate aims to:
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Empower clients to build skills
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Explain information in an easy-to-understand way
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Speak up only if the client wants them to
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Help clients think for themselves
Equal Opportunities
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Everyone has the same rights
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Advocates help prevent inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion
Independence
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Advocates encourage clients to act for themselves
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Advocacy should be independent from service providers
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Advocates should avoid conflicts of interest
Putting People First
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Advocates always respect the client’s wishes
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Advocates are non-judgemental
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Advocates listen to the client’s views and experiences
Supporting Advocates
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Advocates receive training and support
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They develop skills and experience in their role
The Code of Conduct
A code of conduct is a set of rules for advocates:
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Tells staff and volunteers how to do their job well
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Ensures advocates know what they can and cannot do
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Advocates follow the client’s instructions whenever possible
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Advocates respect the client’s plans and opinions
Instructed Advocacy
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Advocates keep information easy to read and understand
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They help clients make informed choices
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Advocates cannot give advice or force decisions
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Advocates must respect the client’s opinion
Key Principles of Advocacy
Accessibility
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Information and materials must be easy to read and understand
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Advocacy should be free of charge
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Advocacy should be accessible to the whole community
Accountability
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Advocacy schemes should monitor and evaluate their work
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Each client has a named advocate and a way to contact them
Complaints
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Clients can complain if they are unhappy with an advocate
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Advocates receive feedback to improve their work
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Clients can access independent support to make complaints
Confidentiality
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Information about clients is kept confidential
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There are rules about when confidentiality may be broken
The Staged Process of Advocacy
Six Stages:
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Presenting the problem: Client tells the advocate their issue
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Research: Advocate gathers information
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Analyse and feedback: Advocate explains options and consequences
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Negotiation: Advocate supports discussions with others
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Litigation: Last resort; client may need a solicitor
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Resolution: Advocate helps client choose the best solution
Advocates never force a client to make a choice
Listening Skills
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Advocates must actively listen
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Use body language, gestures, eye contact, and posture
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Use open and closed questions
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Mirroring can help show understanding
Advocates adjust communication to each client’s needs.
Example Situations
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A client cannot fill in a benefits form → advocate helps complete it
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A client feels a service treated them unfairly → advocate helps make a complaint
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A client disagrees with a decision → advocate helps with an appeal
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