Lewisham Speaking Up

Advocacy Project

The Deptford Albany

Douglas Way

Deptford

LONDON SE8 4AG

020 8692 1862

Volunteer Advocacy Supporter Role Description

Organisation Name / Lewisham Speaking Up
Organisation overview / Lewisham Speaking Up’s aim is to relieve and support people disadvantaged by a Learning Disability, Difficulty, or Special Need through Advocacy Services which promote their rights and entitlements as Equal Citizens. We aim to help people speak up and be heard through both self advocacy and one to one advocacy. Volunteers can play a vital role is assisting in the work of Lewisham Speaking Up.
Role title / Volunteer Advocacy Supporter
Location of position / Lewisham Speaking Up office, The Deptford Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG
Responsible to / The Advocacy Service Manager
Summary of role/Task description / 1.1Advocacy Supporter
You will be required to support a person with a learning disability with a particular issue or more than one issue which is affecting their lives. You may be required to help them speak up about the support they receive, help them to improve or increase their support, help them with housing, financial or social difficulties. As the Advocate, you will support the person to make their views and wishes known at meetings, find out important information on their behalf, write letters, make phone calls, and talk to Social Workers and other Professionals. You may be required to meet people in the community, at day centres, or in their homes. You will be given support by the Advocacy Service Manager.
Self Advocacy Group Supporter
You will support people to speak up and be heard and to make their views and wishes known in a group with other people who have a learning disability. You will also support people to understand information relating to various issues. You will be supervised by the paid Group Supporter. Most of our Self Advocacy Groups take place at the Albany in Deptford. You may also be asked to help with our People’s Parliament, which takes place at the Civic centre in Catford. Most of groups take place monthly.
Time commitment / Our projects mostly operate during the day Monday to Friday. Therefore Volunteers will have to have some availability during these times. Actual times to be negotiated with the Advocacy Service Manager.
Requirements / What we are looking for in a Volunteer Advocacy Supporter
  • An awareness of the issues that affect people with a learning disability
  • Excellent listening skills
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt to suit the needs of others
  • Someone who can commit to helping
  • An awareness and understanding of equality and diversity
  • The ability to treat people with respect
  • A full understanding of the need for confidentiality
  • A willingness to take part in any relevant training
  • Someone who is passionate about standing up for the rights of others
  • The ability to support, encourage and empower people to express their views and feelings
  • Good organisational skills
Desirable Requirements
  • Experience of supporting people with a learning disability
  • Experience of community work or working with people

Personal Qualities / Reliable, punctual, non-judgemental, friendly, approachable, patient, tolerant, empathetic
Training and Support /
  • Induction to organisation
  • Full Advocacy and Learning Disability Awareness training
  • Safeguarding Adults Training
  • Regular supervision from the Advocacy Service Manager and regular updates on organisational activities.

Reimbursement of expenses / Volunteers will be encouraged to claim necessary travel expenses. Reimbursement of other out-of-pocket expenses will be considered where funding permits.
Benefits to volunteer /
  • Gain knowledge and skills of Advocacy
  • Gain knowledge and skills of supporting people with a learning disability
  • Gain knowledge of workings of a charity
  • Renew old skills and gain new skills

Application procedure /
  • Application form
  • Informal Interview
  • Attend Advocacy induction training
  • DBS check and references check

Contact information / Advocacy Service Manager
Lewisham Speaking Up
The Deptford Albany
Douglas Way
Deptford
London
SE8 4AG
Tel: 020 8692 1862
Email:
Website:

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