Tips for being an advocate

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Understanding

As a self-advocate you need to understand what your needs are and as a peer advocate you need to understand the needs of the person or the community you are advocating for.

You might not have this level of understanding straight away you may need to work step by step and take on board new issues that come up in the process.

Knowledge

You should have the knowledge of what your rights are, such as being entitled to reasonable adjustments, at work, school, or in health and social care services.

You need to know what might help you, as it will mean you can ask for the right reason adjustment for you. For instance, a longer appointment at the doctors, access to a quiet room to wait for appointments or a work mentor or buddy. It also helps to know where you might be able to access that help, who might be able to help you get that support or who could help you to speak up about it.

Allow yourself some self-compassion, allow yourself to get it wrong, because you are trying and learning about yourself and the things that might help you. These things might even change over time.

Communication skills

It is important to have the skills to communicate what you, the community or person you are advocating for needs and it is essential that you are a good listener. It helps to have a safe space for people to talk through issues, to express what they need and ways of getting those needs met.

It’s good to be clear and calm, assertive and respectful. This might not always be easy to do, but taking a breath and regulating your emotions helps people understand what you need.

join with others 

There may be others who have similar experiences to you. This might mean they have some solutions that you might not have thought of that may work for you. Or you might be able to provide them with solutions that help them. We can all learn from each other. Some people might not be able to advocate as well as you but helping them speak up and find their voice can be good for the community.

The more people saying the same things means that organisations like social services the NHS are more likely to change. Even things like shops, leisure centres, theatres and sports grounds become more accessible.

Coming together with other self-advocates and self-advocacy organisations in a network like Your Voice strengthens the message.

We’re stronger together!​