Add A Voice, an advocacy service based in Leigh, are currently recruiting new volunteers to undertake training as advocates for people within the Wigan Borough. Advocates help people speak up for themselves or speak up on their behalf. During the last year, Add A Voice have provided advocacy support to over 275 adults within the borough and the numbers of requests for support from vulnerable people continues to rise. Potential volunteers are being interviewed now for the training course which starts in mid January 2004.
Add A Voice was established in 1994 by a group of parents and carers who wished to provide co-ordinated advocacy services to individuals and groups in the borough of Wigan. Examples of cases undertaken by volunteers include:- writing a letter on someone’s behalf, attending an appointment at a GP surgery, going through a complaint procedure with someone etc.
Lucy Whiting, Manager at Add A Voice says;
The need for advocacy support has been identified in a number of different pieces of legislation recently and the number of requests we are receiving continues to increase. Potential volunteers are not required to have any prior experience and will be offered full training.
Volunteers are needed to work on a one to one basis with vulnerable people who need support in speaking up for themselves. All volunteers with Add A Voice undertake a comprehensive training programme in advocacy skills. The 7 week course covers all aspects of being an advocate including:- negotiation skills, listening skills confidentiality, assertive communication, prejudice reduction, disability awareness.
If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer or would like to learn more about Add A Voice they can call the office on 01942 601563 or Email: lucy@addavoice.org.uk Alternatively Add A Voice can be contacted at 53 Church Street. Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 1AY.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Add A Voice is a registered charity. It’s services are available to organisations and individuals providing or wishing to access advocacy services within the Wigan Metropolitan area. For further information please contact Lucy Whiting, Manager at Add A Voice, 53 Church Street, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 1AY Tel & Fax 01942 601563
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