Logo: AdvoCard: A City-wide advocacy project for users of mental health services
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Training Group
Training at AdvoCard Jan 2007
training group 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn 2007 Training Group

Volunteering with AdvoCard - personal stories

 

Trish's Story

Hi there.  I’m Trish and I’ve been volunteering with AdvoCard for just over a year.  I got involved because I realised I would have liked to have support when I experienced mental health problems of my own, but had not known how to access this.  I think having my own mental health problems has meant that I bring an insight into what clients need in their dealings with other agencies.  I also have a background in local government so feel I can help people deal with the bureaucracy involved.  I enjoy volunteering, especially when I can help to resolve a problem with a client.  The clients get the resolution they need or at least the knowledge that their point of view has been put across.  I intend to continue volunteering and gaining experience in different fields – so far I’ve been involved with problems including financial, medical and housing.  Volunteering has boosted my confidence to the level that I am even considering looking for a paid advocacy job.

 

 

 





 

 

Alan's Story

As a practising solicitor, it is important for me to ensure that communication at all levels,both verbal and in writing, is clear and concise and so when the opportunity arose two and a half years ago for me to train as a voluntary advocacy worker with Advocard, I felt this was an area where I would be able to make a positive contribution. The work itself can be immensely satisfying with every case bringing its own challenges and rewards. I have a strong sense of fair play and will always do my best to ensure service users are listened to and treated with respect. The issues may vary, from healthcare concerns , housing problems or benefits claims to perhaps disputes with noisy neighbours but whoever we are dealing with, the aim is the same –  to be there for the service user and get the message across!

In all of this, Advcocard provides a wonderfully supportive and welcoming environment for volunteers and service users alike with everyone very organized, very focused and pulling in the same direction.

 

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