29/11/10…Wanted – Volunteer Advocates! (Contributed)
ADVOCACY at its heart is really very simple. It is making sure people get their wishes and choices heard and taken into account on matters of importance to them.
People can find it difficult to be listened to for all sorts of reasons ? communication difficulties, health problems, anxiety and others. However as a volunteer with Oxfordshire Advocacy, with training and support, you can help them to ensure that their voices are heard.
We run three general advocacy schemes- OSTAS for people who need support with a short term issue, CAPOLD for those with learning disabilities and ADAPT for people with dementia.
Volunteers attend a training course which is accredited. They then have a CRB check and provide references. Once the training and application process is complete, we will give you opportunities to be an advocate, provide expenses and continued training and support. Oxfordshire Advocacy provides a service throughout Oxfordshire so you can decide which areas you would like to volunteer in.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer advocate or want more information, please do contact us or have a look at the website for more information. We have an initial Volunteer training course planned for the 3rd, 4th and 11th February 2011.
We would love to hear from you!
Rebecca Norris (Volunteer coordinator)
Email: oadg@oadg.org.uk
Website: www.oadg.org.uk