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  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. 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.”

  4. 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

  5. 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/

  6. 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?”

  7. 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! 

  8. We are raising vital funds for our Looked After Children Services and need your help.  Here is Stephen’s story:

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    Stephen is 7 years old and has ASD& ADHD.   He was placed with a foster family after a very difficult childhood and was soon thriving. The entire foster family thought of him as “their own” and he was settled for the first time in his life.

    However, a year later the decision was taken by the local authority to move Stephen and place him with another foster family, due to how close he was living to his birth family and the risk this posed. The impact for everyone was potentially devastating.

    Our Advocate worked with Stephen, fiercely championed his rights and highlighted the impact of such a move to the local authority. After a very lengthy and emotionally charged process – which involved gaining the support of the Children’s Commissioner for England – the local authority apologised for their actions and agreed that Stephen would not be moved.  They then agreed to support the foster family with a house relocation to reduce any future risks and to keep Stephen and his new family together. 

    Stephen continues to thrive and is happy and settled thanks to the support of his tenacious Advocate.

    To make a donation to help others like Stephen, please donate via our just giving page here

    Read the full story of how we supported Stephen here

  9. Advocacy Focus wins Mental Health Safety Improvement Award at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards

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    Advocacy Focus is thrilled to share the news that our Advocacy for Autistic People in Mental Health Inpatient Settings pilot won the Mental Health Safety Improvement Award at this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards. Awards which recognise safety, cultures and positive experiences in patient care.

    The event celebrates hard-working teams and people across the UK, who, facing staff shortages and cuts due to rising financial costs, still go above and beyond to deliver a high level of patient care and provide safe settings for people.

    A record-breaking 516 entries were received with 206 organisations, projects and people making it to the final shortlist, after two rounds of rigorous judging.

    The Awards were the highlight of HSJ’s annual two-day Patient Safety Congress where delegates took part in open and honest discussions around the current reality faced by patients in terms of their safety.

    Health Editor of the Sunday Times, Shaun Lintern who Chaired the HSJ Patient Safety Congress said;

    “As in previous years, the HSJ Patient Safety Awards ceremony formed a key part of our 2023 Congress and it’s always such an honour to be a position to congratulate all of the winners, which this year includes Advocacy Focus who scooped ‘top spot’ in the category of Mental Health Safety Improvement.

    The award winning pilot involved working with autistic inpatients across Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) hospitals. The aim was to gather people’s views, wishes and experiences about their care and treatment and their experience of advocacy services. This feedback was to help shape inpatient services and meet the needs of autistic people.  Feedback that would help all services involved improve and effectively support people to have better outcomes.

    Advocacy Focus felt privileged to work with and amplify the voices of people in inpatient settings and promote change to better meet their own unique needs and  experiences. We provided advocacy to a group of people who would not ordinarily have such support, and to have that work recognised, was an incredible cause for celebration for all the team involved.

    Our Advocacy Manager, Ellie Bradley, that led on the pilot said:  “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won this award for our Advocacy for Autistic People in Mental Health Inpatient Settings pilot project. The pilot was set up to help bridge the gap in the Mental Health Act and provide advocacy support to autistic informal patients. This work took important steps towards ensuring that people’s wishes and views were heard and respected. Supporting this often overlooked group of people to be aware of their rights and support them to have their needs listened to and met, will essentially go some way to improving both their safety and long term outcomes.”

  10. Advocacy Focus successfully resecure the Lancashire Advocacy Hub contract.

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    We are delighted to announce that we have successfully re-secured the Lancashire Advocacy Hub contract. The service will re-launch on the 1st of August 2023 and will run for the next five years. Our team are delighted to be continuing to support people in Lancashire with their health and social care advocacy needs.

    Advocacy Focus will provide support to people over the age of 16 with issues or problems faced surrounding health or social care. We will be providing non statutory and statutory advocacy services consisting of
    – Care Act Advocacy,
    – Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy,
    – Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards- Paid RPR,
    – Independent Mental Health Advocacy,
    – Complaints Advocacy,
    – Community Advocacy and more

    Why is Advocacy important?
    For some people, it can feel like decisions are being made about them, without them, but Advocacy Focus will be there to make sure that important decisions are being made with the person. Advocacy helps people to understand their rights, put forward their views and wishes, and explore the different options that are open to them.Our team of Advocates will help put the power back into the hands of the person, promote their voice when they feel unheard, and help them to understand their situation. People often don’t know what advocacy is until they really need it.As part of our commitment to Lancashire, we also promised to offer wider benefits via our Community Focus project, where we will be providing advocacy support to people with a wide range of issues not just health and social care, such as housing issues, benefits problems, and assist in accessing education, training, and employment.

    Our Chief Executive Office, Justine Forster, has this to say about resecuring the Lancashire advocacy provision contract

    “We’ve been Looking After Lancashire for over a decade from our head office in Accrington. Our team live and work in our Lancashire communities and are tenacious when it comes to helping people to get the health and social care outcomes they are looking for. We care about our County and the people in it, so we are looking forward to working with any organisations that share the same vision as ours, to provide advocacy for all and to make sure that people are seen, heard and listened to when it comes to making big decisions in their lives. We are your Lancashire provider, and we will be working in partnership to help people to live the lives they want – and choose – to live.”
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