Community Advocacy

A community advocate provides support and assistance to citizens, particularly those who are vulnerable, helping them to have their voices heard in matters that affect their lives.

The role of a community advocate typically involves the following:

• Representation and Support: Assisting citizens in articulating their needs, preferences, and concerns in meetings with authorities, service providers, and other organisations.
• Information: Offering information on rights, services, and options available to citizens, ensuring they understand their choices and any potential consequences.
• Navigating Systems: Helping citizens understand and navigate complex systems such as healthcare, social services and welfare benefits.
• Ensuring Fair Treatment: Advocating for fair and equitable treatment, ensuring that citizens’ rights are upheld, and that they are treated with respect and dignity.
• Empowerment: Encouraging and enabling citizens to develop the skills and confidence needed to self-advocate and make informed decisions independently in the future.

Community advocates work across various sectors including health and social care, providing crucial support to those who may struggle to access services or voice their needs due to barriers such as disability, language, or lack of knowledge.

Their primary goal is to ensure that the citizens they support have a say in decisions that impact their lives, and that their rights and interests are protected.