Citizen Advocates…what they do

No one partnership will be the same but the advocate's role has the following common features:

Contact through regular visits. This will vary according to circumstances and may be weekly, fortnightly but not less than monthly. Again length of visits will vary depending on the partnership.

Friendship. The social aspect of citizen advocacy enables both the advocate and partner to build an equal partnership based on trust and understanding. Partners share common interests and social activities helping to develop a strong rapport. Citizen Advocacy is often referred to as "befriending - plus".

The advocate will act as their partner's representative, this is done by speaking up on behalf of their partner. An example might be making the partner's views known by attending meetings to talk about everyday things that affect their partner's quality of life.

Citizen Advocates…who are they?

Any member of the community. No special qualifications or experience is required, although an interest in speaking up for a person with a learning disability and the commitment to build partnership based on trust and understanding is essential. Because it takes time to get to know a partner, their wishes and aspirations the advocate must be able to commit longer term.

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