Volunteering for Advocacy

What is expected - In theory, anyone can advocate on behalf of another person. However, there are certain elements that are vital to the success of an advocacy partnership:

  • Being on the same side - ensuring that the advocate is adhering to the opinions and wishes of the service user.
  • Striving for minimal conflict of interest - at no time should the advocate compromise the user's wishes to suit his/her own situation, e.g. in the workplace or for personal gain.
  • Focussing on basic unmet needs - though not necessarily assessing those needs.  The advocate must ensure that he/she is not impressing personal values on the partner.
  • Vigour of Action - an advocate must strive to meet the needs of the user as they would their own.
  • Fidelity - absolute loyalty to the user is imperative unless the advocate feels a moral, religious or professional issue may affect his/her objectivity.
  • Cost to the Advocate - the partnership should be considered carefully before complete commitment, in particular with regard to Citizen Advocacy.

Bearing in mind these elements, a volunteer advocate is most likely to meet all six.  Freely given, voluntary work is unlikely to engender a conflict of interest or be restricted by time, money or professional obstacles.

Training - The Advocacy Project offers a four day Advocacy Skills training package for new volunteers.  The training is comprehensive and includes tutorials on all aspects of Advocacy work.  Dates are arranged throughout the year and anyone interested should contact the project for more information.

Disclosure Checks - All new volunteers and staff are subject to a Disclosure Scotland check.

Partnerships - Once volunteers complete the Advocacy Skills training and the Disclosure Scotland checks are completed, a meeting will be arranged with the Project Co-ordinator to discuss possible partnerships with individuals on the Advocacy waiting list.  New volunteers will have the chance to talk with project staff to determine which cases they would prefer to take and which cases they would have a moral, professional or religious issue with.

Support - Volunteer support comes in many different forms within the project:

  • Volunteer Support Group Meetings - These meetings are arranged at times which suit the majority of our volunteers and are a chance to discuss cases and/or seek advice from other project volunteers.
  • Support at any time - Project Co-ordinators are available out-with office times via mobile phones if volunteers need immediate advice or assistance.
  • Project Support - Volunteers are welcome to visit the office at any time and can receive support and/or advice from project Co-ordinators.  Volunteers are also welcome to make use of the office facilities i.e. Telephone, Internet, Computers, etc.