Advocates
What is an Advocate?
An advocate is someone who speaks up for you.
An advocate could be someone you know like a friend or family member.
Advocates can also be from an organisation which means that they are independent and only have your interests in mind.
Advocates from an organisation have usually had special training to be an advocate.
An advocate should help you to get what you want.
How to find an Advocate
Advocacy Organisations
There are advocacy organisations that train people to be advocates.
Advocates might be staff members from the organisation or they might be volunteers.
The name of one organisation is Citizen Advocacy.
There are advocates all around the country.
Advocacy Organisations with a Web Site
Not all organisations have a web site so you will need to find them another way.
| Organisation | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Dorset People First Located in Dorchester |
Web: http://www.dorsetpeoplefirst.co.uk/ Email: office@dorsetpeoplefirst.co.uk Phone: 01305 257600 |
| Dorset Advocacy Located in Dorchester |
Web: Email: enquiries@dorsetadvocacy.co.uk Phone: 01305 251033 |
| Dorset Self Advocacy Located in Dorchester |
Web: http://www.slacy.fsnet.co.uk/index.htm Email: sylvia@slacy.fsnet.co.uk Phone: 01305 257600 |
Who can help you find an advocacy group?
- You can ask at your day service if you go to one.
- Citizens Advice Bureau - England and Wales, Northen Ireland, Scotland
- Social Services; you can ask your key worker or social worker to help you find a group.
- Mencap
- A Tutor or Teacher
- RADAR, DIAL or a disability information service.