Add A Voice exists to provide free, independent, confidential advocacy support for individuals over the age of 18 and groups, within the Wigan area, in supporting service users to speak for themselves to ensure that their needs, views and wishes are listened to and respected. This intervention will result in such people being able to make choices, develop confidence and understanding.
Add A Voice was initially established as an umbrella organisation to promote and support advocacy in the borough of Wigan, a need that was verified and substantiated by a review carried out by Harris and Kennedy in 1996. This review showed that advocacy provision across the borough was inconsistent and recommended the establishment of an independently funded scheme which could provide a more uniform and co-ordinated approach to service provision.
Following its establishment in 1996, Add A Voice then conducted its own detailed research and consultation into Wigan?s advocacy support needs which showed significant deficiencies and identified the type of specialised service that was required on an independent basis.
Add A Voice has developed an excellent reputation for working in partnership with other agencies (statutory, voluntary and community sector) to ensure that the advocacy needs of Wigan people are effectively met.
In conclusion, Add a Voice, with its experience in the field, commitment and connections to the community that it serves and professional approach and joint working philosophy, continues to be in a key position to develop effective partnerships in the delivery of empowerment related services in the Wigan area.
What is "Advocacy" ?
Advocacy can be defined as "speaking out on behalf of someone or empowering people to speak up for themselves to ensure that their needs, wishes and views are listened to and respected". It is a key element of maintaining and improving psychological health and well-being and is a basic right and entitlement of everyone. The majority of people will need advocacy support at some stage in their lives. Some people have a more enduring and long lasting need which requires a special response.
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Add-A-Voice is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity No. 1079289
