Celebrating our amazing team and the power of advocacy

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

"Whether you’ve used advocacy, need advocacy now, or simply want to know more, we’re here."

Blog by Sharon de Jesús, Head of Advocacy at Your Voice Counts

"It’s Advocacy Awareness Week, and we at Your Voice Counts are incredibly excited to take part in this opportunity to shine a light on the importance of advocacy. This week is all about raising awareness, widening knowledge, and letting everyone in our community know that advocacy support is here—and it’s powerful.

"Our advocacy team is made up of dedicated people who work every day to ensure the voices of our community members are heard, respected, and understood. They work tirelessly, whether visiting people in person, connecting online, or chatting over the phone. They attend important meetings, help people plan, find information, organise interpreters, support tribunals, and assist with complaints—always putting the people they support at the heart of every action. And this is just part of the incredible work they do each day to make sure people are heard and supported in every way possible.

"It’s not just the advocates either; our central support team also plays a huge role. From offering a listening ear over the phone to helping people get the right support, whether that means accessing our services or being referred elsewhere, they are often the first point of contact—and what a difference they make!

"The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the hard work, compassion, and respect our staff bring every single day. Our senior advocates deserve special mention too—they are always there to support our team, the community, and the organisation as a whole. They provide guidance, step in where needed, and make sure that we’re doing the best possible job for everyone we support.

"And we can't talk about support without recognising our co-production team. These amazing individuals help us understand what really matters to the people who use our services. They make sure that our services are designed not just for the community but with the community. We’re so grateful for the insights they provide and for their role in making sure we’re always improving. Their input helps shape our services to be truly person-centred and responsive.

"Whether you’ve used our advocacy services in the past, need advocacy now, or simply want to know more about how advocacy can support you, we’re here. We want to keep listening and learning so that we’re delivering the right services that make a real difference in your life. Advocacy isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about making sure your voice is heard, respected, and acted upon.

"This Advocacy Awareness Week let’s celebrate not just the work we do, but the incredible people who make it happen: our advocates, our support teams, and most importantly, you—the community we serve.

"Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can make every voice count."

For more information about our advocacy services, visit www.yvc.org.uk/advocacy. If you or someone you care for has used our advocacy services and are interested in our User Voice Network, visit Talk to us | yourvoicecounts (yvc.org.uk).