Self-advocacy and Advocacy

a) Types of Advocacy

1) There are many different types of advocacy that people need at different times. For example, people need to be supported to speak for themselves through self-advocacy.

Independent advocacy is often needed when in a crisis or at a time of change like when making a complaint or having a service withdrawn or changed.

b) Regional groups

1) People on visits suggested financially supporting regional self-advocacy groups. It was suggested that this would provide a good consultation structure for national work.

c) Funding

1) Self-advocacy and advocacy groups need to be properly and independently funded. The lessons of how advocacy provision is funded for looked after children may be useful.

2) Funding would be better provided by an independent body, not directly by local providers, social services or health authorities. Joint funding could go into a central pot to be distributed by an independent group.

d) Support

1) Supporters should be employed and trained by the self-advocacy groups themselves.

2) Some support funding for people working in Self-advocacy groups could come from the proper use of Direct Payments.