#AdvocacyWorks by working together

As part of our Advocacy Awareness Week 2024 series, we're sharing examples of how #AdvocacyWorks and makes an impact on the people we support. For more information about the advocacy services we offer in Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside, visit www.yvc.org.uk/adovcacy. #AAW24

Advocacy works - Steve's story*

Steve has a learning disability, autism and mental health needs and lives in a 24-hour supported residential care setting where he receives regular visits from Terri, a Your Voice Counts advocate, who acts as Steve’s Relevant Person's Representative (RPR) while he’s subject to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Not just an RPR

During their time together, Terri became aware that Steve had a reoccurring eye condition that needed surgery to resolve. Work to support him had been attempted previously but Steve had found this overwhelming and scary. The impact of this was continuing to reduce his quality of life so Terri asked for this to be investigated again and made an Independent Mental Capacity Act advocacy referral which resulted in Tracy stepping in to help Steve to be involved in decision-making around his treatment options.

Support from our Communities team

Our advocates work closely with the people they support and take care to get to know the person as a whole so they can make sure they’re getting the help they need in all areas of their life. The staff were worried about Steve's finances and raised this with Terri who referred Steve to our Communities team where he was supported by our Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Case Worker Gary who provided a 121 service to help Steve claim money he was entitled to.

A huge positive impact on Steve

Through our financial health service, we helped Steve to apply for all of the benefits he’s entitled to, meaning his monthly income has increased from £104 per month to over £900 per month! Following Terri's and with Tracey's support, Steve has also recently undergone eye surgery. Our support has had a huge positive impact on Steve who is now enjoying much more independence thanks to his improved sight and being more confident and financially able to take part in activities he enjoys.

#AdvocacyWorks and can have an impact on all areas of a person’s life, especially when we join together, see the person as a whole, and put them at the centre of our work.

Visit www.yvc.org.uk for more information about our advocacy and communities services. To find out about making a referral to our financial health service, visit www.yvc.org.uk/money.

*Some names and details have been changed for anonymity.

Terri, Gary and Tracy - working together so #AdvocacyWorks