Self-Advocacy
Build on your skills and develop new ones to be able to solve problems and make positive changes in your life. Learn how to ask for what you are entitled to, for example, or how to make a complaint effectively when things go wrong - whilst keeping good relationships with service providers.
What is self-advocacy?
Self-advocacy means you can:
- Identify a problem you want to solve, or a choice you want to make
- Work out the obstacles that you face in solving your problem
- Develop strategies to overcome these obstacles
- Put these strategies into action
- Know your rights in a particular situation
- Learn from this experience to help you with other or future problems
- Realise your own strengths
Why is self-advocacy important?
Self-advocacy is all about looking out for yourself whilst still respecting and valuing the role other people might play in your life. You can advocate for yourself by working out the support and services that are best for you.
Although self-advocacy means taking responsibility for getting what you want, it doesn't mean that you have to do it alone or know everything at once - you have the right to ask for help along the way. You can take the time to learn about the skills and resources you already possess and build a strong support network for yourself.
Speaking up for your rights
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and ensuring your needs are met. It's an essential skill in everyday life, especially in areas like health care, housing, and social care. In the UK, self-advocacy is supported by the Advocacy Charter, which highlights the principles of empowerment and equality.
By knowing how to advocate for yourself, you can ensure that your voice is heard, and your rights are respected.
Empowerment is one of the key principles of the Advocacy Charter. It's about having the confidence and support to make decisions about your own life. For example, if you're receiving care at home and feel that the services are not meeting your needs, self-advocacy means speaking up and asking for changes. You might tell your social worker, "I need more help with personal care in the mornings" or "I'd like to talk about other options available to me". By asking for what you need, you're taking control of your situation.
The key to being a self-advocate is knowing your rights and making informed choices. This means you should have all the information you need to make decisions. In healthcare, for example, if a doctor offers you treatment, it's your right to ask questions. You might ask, "What are the side effects?" or "Are there any alternative treatments?" Understanding your options helps you to make the best decisions for your health.
Equality is also at the heart of self-advocacy. Everyone should have equal access to services and be treated fairly. If you feel that you're not being listened to, whether in housing, health care or social care, it's important to speak up. You might need to contact an advocate or a support organisation to make sure you're getting the service you deserve.
Self-advocacy empowers you to take control of your life. By speaking up, asking questions, and knowing your rights, you can ensure your needs are met and that you're treated with respect and fairness.
What people have said about our self-advocacy work
I am more confident to communicate my problems and resolve them, identify my strengths and improve myself, and know my rights in different situations.
I have learnt how to communicate more effectively to express my needs, manage my emotions, plan ahead, and be prepared.
Our upcoming self-advocacy workshops
Below are details of our upcoming self-advocacy workshops. All will take place in person at One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BX from 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m., be delivered by our own Independent Advocates, and cover a particular theme.
- Wednesday 11 June - Housing with Hazel and Deanne
- Wednesday 9 July - Housing (session delivered in Farsi) with Shervin and Heather
- Wednesday 10 September - Hate Crime (session delivered in Farsi) with Shervin and Hazel
- Wednesday 24 September - Hate Crime with Hazel and Deanne
For more information and to sign up, please email advocacy@connectedvoice.org.uk
