People often ask me what advocacy looks like at Action Pathways Ltd, so I thought I’d write a blog piece about it. I like the description from the Cambridge Dictionary:
”To advocate is to speak for, support, or represent a person or group of people who may need extra help or protection”.
Because my service is receptive and responsive to the different needs and goals of each family, so too advocacy is different for each client. There are a range of key things I do though which I would like to touch on here.
“Pathways planning”: we co-create an action plan that is holistic; recognising that a range of small changes is often more effective than just focusing on one big change.
Attend meetings with clients: e.g. Community service providers, Health and Education services, support groups e.g. Pediatric Team Meetings, Counselling Services, Budgeting Services, School Individual Planning Meetings.
- a) as a support person (take notes and give moral support)
- b) to speak on behalf of the client with pre-arranged points to be covered; I ask the tricky questions for them and promote their child’s inclusion
Organise and attend meetings to create a holistic “wrap-around” support team for families with high needs
Do agency referrals: e.g. health and education services e.g. social worker support letter, MOE referrals.
Do funding applications: with client’s approval to access funds for specific needs/goals e.g. Extraordinary Care fund for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Research what services are available to meet their family’s particular needs and share with clients e.g. disability sports groups and activities, free Computer workshops.
Visit Services with clients to see what is offered and whether they have activities or supports client would like to participate in or access e.g. personal trainer at the local Gym, local libraries, sports groups, community health providers, community holiday programmes for children.
Arrange meetings/events with like-minded people to the client: e.g. “Girl’s Play” event at the Faraday Museum for girls to meet with cognitive disabilities who enjoy doll play, meet-ups in local parks or libraries for families with children with disabilities.
As part of journeying alongside families, advocacy plays a key role in promoting access to the supports they need to thrive. As they experience positive results and gain confidence, their sense of well-being increases, and they no longer feel isolated.