Our First Year — We have just completed our first year of Crisis Advocacy work funded by the National Lottery and are pleased to have met the targets we set when applying for funding. The Steering Group, made up of people who use or refer to the service, have met regularly to make sure that we are on target and to gave feedback on the work undertaken.

New Links — For the first time, we have offered a service that is specific to young people age 14-25 and older people. This has involved new links with organisations to raise awareness and to involve them with the direction of the service. Our work with vulnerable adults has continued to be in high demand covering a wide range of issues that has included; adult protection, housing, health issues and employment.

Volunteer Advocates — In our last newsletter we asked for you to come forward to use your experience and skills to bring positive change for others. Ten people have expressed an interest in this work and already 3 people have become Crisis Advocates. Colin has enabled someone to make changes to their will, Joe has made sure that action was taken to safeguard a vulnerable adult and Mike is advocating for a local man to make sure that he understands and agrees to changes to medication and care plans.

Advocacy Stories — We have always thought that Advocacy is best understood by describing the issues and outcomes that are the direct experience of those we work with. As part of our feedback to The National Lottery we have produced 9 case studies that reflect the wide range of issues we have addressed in the last year. These will shortly be on IA’s website. Keep an eye on the website at www.independent-advocacy.org.uk

Good Luck to all those who will be part of the project in year 2!

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