Volunteer Advocate Opportunities

What is an Independent Advocate?

An independent advocate is someone who can represent and defend the views, needs, wishes, anxieties and rights of individuals who do not feel able to do this for themselves for whatever reason. Advocates are wholly independent; they give appropriate advice, information, support and represent their client's best interests, without giving or taking their own view.

Independent advocates do not have the same conflicts or interests as workers and professionals who may have to control access to resources, decide who is the most deserving or what is in a person's best interest. Independent advocates are in a better position to see things from the person's point of view.

What will a Volunteer Advocate do?

Wherever possible, our aim is to help families to represent themselves at Appeals/Tribunal through giving them advice, information and support in preperation and presenting of their case. However, there are always some situations where families are unable to represent themselves and/or require a more in-depth input, therefore we want volunteer advocates to:-

• Provide accurate advice and information to parents and young people
• Advise the parents or young person as to th most appropriate route(S) to challenge a decision(s)
• Assist in lodging an appeal
• Assist and support in preparing their case
• Represent and/or support the parents at hearings

What do we look for in a volunteer?

• Empathy and good listening skills.
• Commitment to promoting the cause of the parent's or young person's case regarding Additional Support Needs.
• Respect for another person's right to be heard and point of view.
• Confidence to communicate with "officialdom" on behalf of parents and young people (as appropriate).
• Reliability and conscientiousness in their voluntary work.
• Attendance at training and support sessions.
• Ensuring confidentiality at all times.

What will volunteers gain?

1. Being part of an exciting new development to empower and enable parents to secure the services and provision to enabletheir child/young person to reach their full potential.
2. Direct experience of Advocacy work.
3. Access to training opportunities.
4. Back-up and resources of I.S.E.A. (Scotland) and the support of the project manager and volunteers.