Advocacy Friends

What is an Advocacy Friend?

An Advocacy Friend is someone, like you, who becomes a source of support to someone in the community. As an Advocacy Friend, you will be able to identify when someone may be in need of help and work with them to get the professional support they need.

 

What are the benefits to me?

As an Advocacy Friend, you will learn the skills to become your own best advocate. You’ll become more confident, focused and secure in the knowledge you can make a real difference. Over time, you will become a pillar of strength in your community, meeting new people and using your own life experiences to help them.

 

What do I do next?

To become an Advocacy Friend, all you have to do is complete an online training course. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will receive a certificate to demonstrate your advocacy knowledge and host of self-help resources to use and share with your community.

 

Can I take part?

To become an Advocacy Friend, you will need to:

• Have the time to complete a short online course
• Have access to a smartphone or computer (in order to complete the course)
• Be keen to expand your communication skills
• Be keen to spread the word of the great work we do at Advocacy Focus
• Have a caring and empathetic nature
• Want to help people in your community

 

What will I do as an Advocacy Friend?

As an Advocacy Friend, you will:

• Recognise when family, friends or people in your community may need support
• Signpost family, friends or those in your community to Advocacy Focus and related services
• Run information sessions in your neighbourhood if you would like to
• Promote Advocacy Focus and help people understand more about advocacy
• Give us feedback on what you feel is working well and how we can improve the understanding of advocacy in your community.