The power of advocacy in safeguarding

We all have a right to make choices, to try new things, to take risks, and to speak up when we think we’ve been treated unfairly. But what happens when people aren’t being heard, or when the process they must follow isn’t accessible?   

For some it means they believe that they must simply ‘put up’ with how things are. Maybe thinking they are wrong to want change, or that there is no point in voicing unhappiness. If they are ‘lucky’, what they have to say will fall into the tight criteria to gain support from a statutory advocate. But for too many this isn’t the case. A general advocate can change that.  

At Vocal Advocacy, we work with adults who have learning disabilities and communication difficulties in South and West Devon. We don’t accept requests solely based on what the person wants to change. If they have something to say and they want support from an advocate, we stand beside them.  

The people we support tell us they are treated ‘like a kid’ when they want to regain power over their own situation. They tell us they are ‘angry’, ‘frustrated’, ‘sad’ when they feel they are not being heard. They also tell us they sometimes have ‘no choice’ or that they ‘won’t get listened to anyway’. This isn’t right.  

We can’t only listen to the people who can complete the right forms or those who have an abundance of legal knowledge to protect themselves. Not everyone can tackle these things alone. It's important that people feel they are able to direct their own lives. That’s why it’s important that everyone who needs the support of an advocate can access one.  

I’m sure we could all think of a time where we have been frustrated at a system, a process, even another person’s actions. What would have happened in that situation if the person you needed to communicate with had spoken in a language you didn’t understand? Or had sent you information intended to help, but not the password to access it?  

For some people we meet, this is reality. They may be unable to speak on the phone, and they aren’t given the option for face-to-face contact. They might not be able to read lots of words but there isn’t a more accessible version of the information they need. Or far too often, they might just not be listened to.  

People tell us about these difficulties every day. They let us into their lives and put trust in us to help them effect the changes they want. As a general advocate we can do that, without checking for ‘eligibility’ or telling people to come back to us when things get worse. Surely, this should be the norm.  

People with a learning disability or communication difficulties should know that whatever the need, there are people there to listen, to hear and to stand beside them. To know that their voice is as loud as everyone else and that their lives are equally important.