"Sometimes people with a learning disability have difficulty communicating their wishes and needs to others.
Formerly known as Montgomeryshire Citizen Advocacy we underwent a re-naming recently - we believe that our new name - 'A Voice for You' better describes the service we provide.
There are several ways in which you can volunteer to help us at A Voice for You.
We provide both Long Term and Short Term Advocacy. As a Long Term Advocate you would be required to undertake a one to one partnership with a person with a learning disability, visit and establish a relationship with them, listen to them and ensure their voice is heard and their needs are being met.
Short Term Advocates assist a person with a learning disability with a one off, urgent, short term issue. The support would continue until the matter of concern is resolved. We are particularly seeking people with a legal, health or education background to help with such cases.
In addition to this we are currently looking to recruit new trustees to assist in the management of the organisation.
It is not essential for you to have had previous involvement with people with a learning disability to become a volunteer with us. Free training is provided to ensure that volunteers have the knowledge and skills required to undertake their roles.
The training sessions, starting on 8 July in Plas Dolerw in Newtown are as follows:
Wednesday 8 July - Understanding Advocacy
Wednesday 15 Julyl 2009 - Disability Awareness
Wednesday 22 July 2009 - Communication
Wednesday 29 July 2009 - Advocacy Skills
Wednesday 5 August 2009 - Developing the partnership
Many of our volunteers gain as much from the advocacy partnership as their partners do. New friendships are forged and advocates get the satisfaction of being able to make a difference to the lives of people with a learning disability. Rose Challands (pictured above on the left, with Chairman Phil King and fellow advocate Vivienne Green) recently received our Volunteer Long Service Award after ten years as an advocate.
If you would like to find out more about the work of 'A Voice for You' e-mail avoice.foryou@yahoo.com.
Article written by Angela Bennett
