AIMS Advocacy

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What is advocacy?
Advocacy helps you to speak up about what is important to you in all aspects of your life.
 
The person who helps you is called your 'advocate'
 
You may have family members, friends or support workers who advocate for you or help you to advocate for yourself. Independent advocacy does not stop this happening nor replace it.
 
Some people, however, have no-one in their lives to help them speak up. They may feel isolated and alone. Alternatively, sometimes what you want may be different from what other people in your life think is best for you.
 
This is when independent advocacy may help.
 
 

What advocates do

You can expect you advocate to do the following things:

  • Take time to get to know you
  • Find out how you feel about things
  • Help you find the information you need to make decisions and choices
  • Help you consider different ways of doing things before making your choice
  • Support you to put over your views to other people
  • Go with you to meetings
  • Act as your voice when needed - but they will only express your views
  • Stand up for you when needed

What advocates don't do

Your advocate will not:

  • Give their own opinion
  • Work to their own agenda
  • Tell you what to do or give you advice
  • Speak to other people about you without your permission, except in a limited number of cases which will be explained to you.