Archive

  1. My Journey as an Independent Visitor with Advocacy Focus

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    By Deborah, Independent Visitor with Advocacy Focus

    Since August 2023, I’ve been a volunteer with Advocacy Focus as an Independent Visitor. That means I meet up with a young person once a month to go on days out together. This has included going to pantomimes, the circus, the theatre, painting pottery, visiting Chester Zoo, seeing Christmas lights, going to the cinema, and going to the park.

    Spending time together has helped us become good friends. We’ve built trust, and now they know I’m someone they can talk to and have fun with. It’s not just about the trips – it’s about being there and making them feel important and listened to.

    What I’ve loved is how much I’ve learned from them too. They’re really smart and full of energy. Every time we meet, I see things in new ways and even learn new words!

    Being an Independent Visitor is something I really enjoy. It’s shown me how important it is for young people in care to have adults they can count on – people who will listen, support them, and just enjoy spending time together.

    Make a difference by becoming an Independent Visitor with Advocacy Focus. Click here to learn more.

  2. What It Means to be an Independent Visitor

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    By Beverly, Independent Visitor with Advocacy Focus

    I really enjoy being an Independent Visitor. It is such a rewarding experience. I met Jake* 18 months ago shortly after his 15th birthday and I think both of us were a little unsure as to what to expect and what, if anything, we would have in common given our age difference of 46 years!

    However, we have built a strong, trusting relationship which is based on fun but also allows us to talk about the issues of the day and what is going on in his life and his future aspirations. Our shared adventures have ranged from Go Karting, indoor climbing, attending a pottery class, and going to the theatre to see the play he is studying for GCSE. Or a simple dog walk and catch up over a coffee! I see Jake once a month and it is very easy to find times to meet that work for both of us.

    It has been an absolute pleasure to see his confidence grow and his willingness to trust and educate me on the issues facing young people in care today. Being an Independent Visitor has reinforced my belief that the best thing you can give young people is your time and consistency.

    I would encourage people of all ages to consider volunteering to be an Independent Visitor. It’s truly life changing for both you and the young person you support.

    *Name changed to protect the identity of the people we support.

    Make a difference by becoming an Independent Visitor with Advocacy Focus. Click here to learn more.

  3. Advocacy Focus Announces Unlimited Annual Leave Policy

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    Advocacy Focus has announced the launch of its new Unlimited Annual Leave Policy, effective from April 2025 for all current and new team members.

    CEO, Justine Forster, had this to say about the change:

    “We’re committed to fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and well-being. As part of our ongoing efforts to prioritise our teams’ health and wellness, we are excited to announce the launch of our Unlimited Annual Leave Policy.

    This new policy gives our team the freedom to take time off as and when they need it to rest, recharge, and spend time with family, friends, or on personal projects. By shifting away from a traditional approach to annual leave, we plan to enable our team to maintain a healthy work-life balance whilst still delivering exceptional results. We hope it will also encourage people to consider working for our charity and help us to retain the amazing people in our team, in what can be a challenging recruitment environment.

    A fairly new concept, there has been some general scepticism around unlimited annual leave policies. However, the team at Advocacy Focus has worked flexibly and autonomously for years, so they are trusted to decide what works best for them, as long as they deliver excellent work for our beneficiaries and hit their organisational targets.”

    Justine continues, “We believe that when people are trusted to manage their time and given the opportunity to recharge, they come back more engaged, creative, and motivated. This is just one of the many steps we are taking to enhance the workplace experience at Advocacy Focus, and it’s reflective of our values of innovation, collaboration, and team well-being.

    We are proud to lead the way in offering benefits that put our people first, and we are confident that this new policy will further strengthen the strong culture of accountability and performance we have built together.”

    About Advocacy Focus

    Advocacy Focus is a leading charity dedicated to providing advocacy services for people making potentially life changing health and social care decisions. Our mission is to equip people with the skills and tools they need to speak up and be heard when it comes to decisions about their lives, and care and support needs.

    With a decade-long commitment to workplace wellbeing, and three times winner of Top Employer in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, we prioritise the mental health of our team to deliver exceptional advocacy services. We help people live the lives they want to live.

  4. Advocacy Focus Awarded National Lottery Funding to Support Community Focus Hub in Burnley

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    Advocacy Focus is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded funding from the National Lottery to support the operation of our Community Focus Hub in Burnley for the next three years. This incredible support will enable us to continue serving the local community with advocacy support on the ground.

    The Community Focus project, which launched in February 2024, has supported over 276 people in East Lancashire. Helping them with everything from health and social care to housing, benefits, employment, education, and training. Our Community Team is focused on making a real difference to people’s lives, whilst giving them the skills to advocate for themselves in the future. We were so committed to the project and the importance of preventing people from needing crisis advocacy, that we funded its launch through our charity’s reserves.

    The money we have been awarded will keep the doors of our Burnley Hub open and well-staffed. It will allow us to continue to offer a friendly and welcoming space for anyone who needs a little extra help. Whatever situation a person is facing, around health, housing, or benefits, or if they are looking for support with employment or training, our Community Team will be there to help. The Hub opens on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM for drop-in support.

    As our Hub is also an official ‘Warm Space,’ thanks to a small funding pot from Lancashire County Council, anyone can drop by for a hot brew and a chat with the team – another way we are doing our little bit to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation during the long winter months.

    If anyone would like to be more involved in our Hub, either by volunteering or helping us to raise much needed funds, please get in touch. We are always grateful for any support and help our communities can offer us.

    Thank You to National Lottery Players

    This would not have been possible without the players of the National Lottery, whose contributions directly support initiatives like this.

    About Advocacy Focus

    Advocacy Focus is a leading charity dedicated to providing advocacy services for people making potentially life changing health and social care decisions. Our mission is to equip people with the skills and tools they need to speak up and be heard when it comes to decisions about their lives, and care and support needs.

    With a decade-long commitment to workplace wellbeing, and three times winner of Top Employer in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, we prioritise the mental health of our team to deliver exceptional advocacy services. We help people live the lives they want to live.

  5. Advocacy Focus and Lancashire Women Join Forces for Fashion Fundraiser

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    Lancashire-based charities, Advocacy Focus and Lancashire Women, are teaming up to host their first joint Fashion Fundraiser on Wednesday 16th October at Mitton Hall Hotel in Clitheroe.

    The evening promises a stylish celebration, with a runway show by Willow Tree Boutique, stalls from local businesses, and a charitable twist—attendees will be encouraged to purchase pre-loved clothing donated to the charities ahead of the event.

    The event aims to raise crucial funds to support both charities’ missions, which focus on advocacy, empowerment, and support services for people across Lancashire who need help during challenging times. Proceeds will directly aid services like mental health advocacy, women’s support, and family services in the community.

    Doors open at 6:30 pm, with a glass of Prosecco on arrival, kindly sponsored by local firm PM+M, adding an extra touch of glamour to the evening. A raffle with prizes donated by local businesses will also take place, with all funds raised shared equally between the two charities to enhance their local services for local people.

    Tickets are £10 and are available through TryBooking. This is a unique opportunity to combine a passion for fashion with a chance to give back and support vital community initiatives. Early booking is advised as spaces are limited.

    To book tickets, visit the TryBooking page: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/64294

  6. Advocacy Focus Named overall ‘Top Employer’ in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index for Third Consecutive Year

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    Advocacy Focus was named as overall ‘Top Employer’ in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index for the third year running. Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is an annual benchmark of best policy and practice when it comes to staff mental health. The index ranks organisations based on their commitment to, and initiatives around mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

    Advocacy Focus CEO, Justine Forster, had this to say about the achievement:

    “Ten years ago, our charity began its wellbeing journey, placing its people at the heart of everything we do. With that approach we have created a supportive and trusting workplace that gives our team the freedom to carry out their challenging roles flexibility and to the best of their ability. If you support and equip your people to be the best version of themselves, they in turn will deliver top quality services that can achieve the best possible outcomes for the people we advocate for.

    This is the fourth year that Advocacy Focus has taken part in the Workplace Wellbeing Index, and they have achieved Gold Award status each time. The Gold Award is only given to employers who have embedded mental health into their policies and practice and who have shown a long-term, in-depth commitment to their team’s mental health. The Index highlighted the tremendous efforts of the Advocacy Focus team and the culture they have created and how they have helped to shape and foster a safe and positive workplace. The resilience and dedication of the charity’s people is what makes the organisation an exemplary place to work.

    Looking Ahead

    Justine continues, “As we celebrate this milestone, of which we are both humbled and proud, we remain focused on future wellbeing initiatives for our team. As a charity we have shown that you don’t need big budgets or significant resources to drive forward positive change for your people. We are a team of almost 80 people covering the North of England, and we are leading the way when it comes to workplace wellness. Huge thanks and recognition to our incredible team and to everyone who has supported or championed us on this journey. We are immensely proud to be three-time winners of this remarkable award, and we look forward to furthering our charity’s mission of ‘advocacy for all’ with wellbeing at its core.”

  7. Breaking Barriers Conference 2024

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    Breaking Barriers is back after a highly successful conference in 2021; attended by over 100 health and social care professionals across the North West. The feedback was just as positive with 100% of delegates stating they walked away having learned something new.

    Breaking Barriers aims to bridge the gaps between services and provide better outcomes for the people we support. It is one day dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of the importance of advocacy and the impact it has on our communities.

    With ground-breaking talks and workshops from leading industry professionals, key speakers and more; we bring you the latest trends, case law, legislation changes affecting the health and social care industry and much more.

    Confirmed host!

    Jake Mills, CEO of Chasing the Stigma, will be returning to host our third Breaking Barriers Conference. An expert in mental health and wellbeing, and Advocacy Focus’ Patron, Jake is a true advocate of our mission to make advocacy accessible to all.

    Headline speaker – Francesca Gardner from 39 Essex Chambers – ‘What now the Mental Health Act reform is ditched?’

    Headline speaker – Neil Allen from 39 Essex Chambers – ‘Making the best use of Deprivations of Liberty Safeguards’

    Headline speaker – Darren from Mission Impossible, Trafford Self-Advocacy Group – ‘The Importance of Self-Advocacy’

    Workshop speaker – Philippa Curran from odonnells – ‘Welfare Matters” 

    Workshop speaker – Sophie Maloney from Stephensons Solicitors – ‘Internet, social media, and mental capacity’

    Workshop speaker – Malcolm Johnson from Lime Solicitors – ‘Looked after Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers’

    Workshop speaker – Advocacy Focus – ‘Challenging DoLS’

    Workshop speaker – Kate Mercer from Kate Mercer Training – ‘Awesome Advocacy

    Workshop speaker – Laura Ingham from Armed Forces HQ – ‘Advocating for the armed forces community’

    Date – Thursday 21 March 2024 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (UTC+00)

    Venue – Farington Lodge, Stanifield Lane, Farington, Leyland, PR25 4QR

    Sponsored by

    Book your tickets here Breaking Barriers 2024 – Advocacy Focus

  8. Poor mental health costs UK employers up to £45 billion each year

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    The ongoing cost of living crisis has caused huge financial pressures for many people and is currently one of the leading causes of stress in the UK.  With a 23% increase being noted from 2022. A recent survey found that people are feeling anxious, stressed, and hopeless due to their current financial situation. The same survey found that financial concerns were impacting on people’s day-to-day activities, with 30% of adults having a poorer quality of sleep, 23% meeting friends less often, and 12% exercising less.

    But poor mental health doesn’t just carry a huge personal cost. Recent research shows that poor mental health costs UK employers up to £45 billion each year – and this figure is growing year on year.

    There is however good news! If businesses invest in supporting their people’s mental health, they will not only see a gain in productivity, fewer sickness absences and lower staff turnover, work can provide a sense of purpose, structure and create meaningful connections. All of which is health-promoting for the employee.

    And while many organisations currently invest in some level of mental health support, recent data reveals a lack of employee engagement and take-up. So why aren’t people engaging with support that is set up to help them?

    There are many reasons, but the main one is the stigma, that still exists in many workplaces. People may fear that they will be treated differently, that they won’t be considered for promotion, or that they risk losing their jobs if they tell someone they are struggling. That is why it is crucial that workplaces develop a positive culture around mental health and wellbeing. Support has to be widely available, in an easy, stigma-free way. And that is where Advocacy Focus can help you!

    Our charity has worked in the health and social care sector for over 25 years. Supporting people who are living through some of the most challenging times of their life. In our own workplace, we don’t just talk the talk, we have delivered impactful wellbeing initiatives for over 10 years! More recently our work was recognised nationally when we were awarded ‘Top Employer’ in the charity Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index – for two years in a row. Not bad for a small charity in the North of England!

    It’s our proudest achievement, because it’s an award that celebrates all we have done and continue to do for our people. We invest in them first and foremost, because they are our most valuable resource and we couldn’t deliver our services across the North-West without them. So if like us you recognise that without your team your business would crumble, it is time to act!

    Don’t be another UK business losing thousands of pounds, or good people, to poor mental health. Our training and consultancy services can help you:

    • Improve productivity
    • Decrease sickness absences
    • Create more motivated teams

    And more…

    Get in touch with Carolina at Training@advocacyfocus.org.uk to discuss your training needs!

    Refs:

    https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/policy-and-advocacy/mental-health-and-cost-of-living-crisis-report

    Champion Health. The Workplace Health Report: 2023. https://championhealth.co.uk/insights/guides/workplace-health-report/

  9. Check Out Micaela’s experience as an Independent Visitor:

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    We would like to shine a spotlight on one of our amazing volunteer Independent Visitors, Micaela, who has ten years sports coaching experience in schools and recently qualified to be a psychologist.

    Micaela told us, “I have seen how important it is for young people to have someone to reach out to and have that 1-1 nurturing support as when they don’t, you can see how much it affects them”. I wanted to make a difference for those that needed this and this is my way of giving back”.

    During Micaela’s time with us, she has made a huge contribution. When Micaela first met her young person, she was full of apprehension, wondering whether the match with her young person would be a success.  Both Michaela and her young person soon connected and became relaxed, it soon became apparent that her young person is very keen about sports; loving watching football and longing to play. Micaela is the perfect match and they hit it off!

    Since becoming an Independent Visitor, Micaela has been creative in finding activities suitable for her young person and helping explore things that her young person had not tried before.

    The search for a local football club is underway and Michaela regularly takes her young person to Liverpool ladies football matches, which her young person says is “magical” as she had never been to one. Michaela’s young person said “I absolutely loved it” and her foster family tell us that “she had not stopped talking about it for days”.

    And it doesn’t stop there …  Micaela has been supporting her young person to experience new and exciting activities, including Ninja Warrior, going bowling and to the cinema. The foster family have also fed back that the young person is really excited about Micaela’s visits and asks repeatedly “when is Micaela is coming?”

  10. New Community Focus Hub opening in Burnley

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    We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Community Focus Hub in Burnley.

    On Thursday, 1st February 2024 we are having an Open Day and you’re invited.

    You can find out more about the support we can offer, learn about other organisations in your area, and engage with the community.

    Join us for a day of information, connection, and community engagement.

    Please come along on

    Date: Thursday, 1st February
    Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Location: 16c Hargreaves St, Burnley, BB11 1DZ

    Refreshments: Tea, coffee, and cakes

    About Community Focus:

    The Community Focus Hub is dedicated to supporting individuals facing health and social care challenges.

    We extend our assistance in areas such as housing, benefits, access to training, education, and employment.

    Our community team is on hand to provide 1-1 advocacy support for a range of issues and is here to help you live the life you want to live.

    How to get involved:

    Please save the date: Pop the date in your calendar for the Community Focus Open Day!

    Help spread the word: Share this invitation with friends, family, and anyone who might benefit.

    Bring Questions: Our team will be on hand to address your queries and concerns.

    Engage and Connect: Be part of a supportive community network.

    What to expect at the Community Focus Hub Open Day:

    Information Booths: Gain insights into health and social care, housing, and more.

    Education and Training Opportunities: Discover pathways to enhance your skills.

    Employment Resources: Explore job opportunities and career advice.

    Volunteer Opportunities: Learn about ways to give back to your community.

    Let’s come together to create a stronger, more connected community. Your presence makes a difference! 

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