what is an advocate?

An advocate encourages and supports individuals and/or groups to speak for themselves to ensure their rights are upheld.

When a person lacks the ability to speak for themselves, an advocate can speak and act on their behalf – always with their best interests in mind.

what is advocacy services?

Spectrum Care’s Advocacy Services supports families and service users by providing information and advocacy, and being actively engaged on issues at an individual, organisational and national level.

Advocacy Services can provide service users and families with:

• Information, advice and the appropriate forms for those wishing to apply to be welfare guardians or property managers for people in our service Information around other disability providers and services
• Information on Spectrum Care Trust services
• Regular presentations around issues such as welfare guardianship, trusts and the Code of Rights, as well as changes in the disability sector and the impact these may have on those who have a disability
• Information around external advocacy services such as the Health and Disability Commission, the Personal Advocacy Trust and Citizens Advocacy
• Receipt of complaints that impact on our service users
• Concerns and feedback around service provision
• Regular regional consumer group meetings
• Meetings with families
• Information and support for those wishing to become a volunteer or advocate for our service users
• Information around funeral plans and trusts

the primary aims of advocacy services are:

• To provide people with disabilities the tools, resources and support to advocate and speak on their own behalf
• To ensure the voices of those in Spectrum Care are heard at a management, community and national level
• To strengthen relationships and network with other providers of services for people with disabilities
• To ensure government, communities and the law adequately provide for people with disabilities
• To support and encourage initiatives that provide a greater voice for people with disabilities
• To ensure there is adequate access and understanding for those with disabilities in and around their local community
• To ensure there are ample opportunities for people in the service to experience and become all they can
• To encourage and support service users to have someone outside the service who is able to advocate for them and to form strong social relationships

who can access advocacy services?

• Service users
• Families and friends of service users
• Anyone considering entering the service
• Those wishing to volunteer
• Spectrum Care staff

how can I find out more?

For more information on Spectrum Care’s Advocacy Services or to speak to an advocate, contact the Coordinator – Advocacy Services on 09 634 3790 ext 312.