Volunteer citizen advocacy

Volunteer Citizen Advocacy is based on a ongoing one-to-one friendship. Citizen Advocates are volunteers which means they are not paid by Advocacy Matters (Wales). They are introduced to a person with a learning disability, and are there to help the person to speak up for themselves in any situation.

A citizen advocate can:

"Becky doesn’t judge me and she gives me constant support.  She helps me not to worry and gives me advice about lots of things.  I thought my benefits were going to be stopped and Becky helped me sort it out.  It is nice to have someone to talk to like Becky who is caring and understanding and the friendship has been better than we both expected because we get on so well."

Shan Marsh, Citizen Advocacy partner

“The level of support and supervision in the organisation has been exceptional. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a Citizen Advocate and would certainly recommend it to anyone who is looking to try something new”.

Neda Arshadi, Volunteer Citizen Advocate
 

Case Study

Gill is Arthur’s Citizen Advocate. Gill and Arthur meet up about once a week. They meet up and go for a coffee or for lunch and chat about how things are going. They also like going shopping together. 

They always have a nice time and Arthur can tell Gill anything. Arthur says, “It gets me out and about and I can enjoy myself.  I can get away from my problems and make plans.” 

Gill says, “I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”

• Ask for a Citizen Advocate (download the form)
  
• Would you like to volunteer to be a Citizen Advocate?