Volunteer Advocates
"A Citizen Advocate is someone who is unpaid and independent of human services who creates a relationship with a person who is at risk of social exclusion and chooses one or several of many ways to understand, respond to and represent that persons interest as if they were the advocates own, thus bringing their partners gifts and concerns into the circles of everyday life."
O'Brien
Invicta Advocacy Network recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to be Volunteer Advocates for people with long term advocacy needs.
Volunteer Advocates must not be employees of human service providers and are therefore independent. They are independent of the Network, although they are placed and supported by the Network and out of pocket expenses are paid. The Network's responsibility is to ensure the client is happy with the relationship at all times.
Volunteer Advocates do not duplicate the work which should be properly done by professionals, but work with their partner to ensure they receive appropriate care and support whilst living as independently as possible. Volunteer Advocates may also be used in specific agreed locations on a long term basis (i.e. a rehabilitation ward or in a residential setting).
Professional staff may contact the Network if they feel they have a client who may benefit from establishing a relationship with a Volunteer Advocate, however, the Volunteer Advocacy Co-ordinator will decide in consultation with the service user whether or not this is appropriate.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer advocate contact the Volunteer Advocacy Co-ordinator on 01322 285234 for a leaflet, an application form or a preliminary discussion.
If you know someone who could benefit from a Volunteer Advocate or you feel you need one to enable you to live independently, please also contact the Volunteer Advocacy Co-ordinator.
This page last updated Tue, 19 December 2006 15:56:59 GMT
