‘There were many reasons why I volunteered with AdvoCard and many more that make me want to stay. I became part of a committed, open, friendly team where everyone’s opinion mattered, while also meeting and working with a diverse group of service users. The work can produce challenges, but there is always the knowledge that by giving a relatively small amount of my time I can make a large difference to someone’s life.’
Iain, Volunteer Advocacy Worker

Why are volunteers needed?

Have you ever felt it would be useful to have someone alongside you, on your side, when you have consulted a professional or sought a service? Most of us have felt this at some time or other.

People who have experienced mental health difficulties commonly feel this way when they turn to doctors, nurses, social workers or other community care professionals for help. They feel disadvantaged because the system of help can often seem too complex, too remote, too overburdened to deal with their needs.

What do volunteers do?
Volunteers provide advocacy support to mental health service users either for a particular problem or for long-term advocacy support.

Advocacy work may include accompanying a service user to an appointment, helping to fill out forms or find out information about rights and benefits. The work is varied and interesting.
In many cases what‘s involved is just being there on the service user’s side, helping them to get their views heard and their rights respected.

Your contribution is part of a two way process that can bring you worthwhile experience and opportunities for personal development.

Will I get training?
All new volunteers complete our Stage 1 Training for Volunteer Advocacy Workers which fully prepares them for their role. AdvoCard also offers ongoing training opportunities to help volunteers continue to develop and enhance their skills for advocacy work.
Please see the training pages for more details.

How much time will I need to give?
The amount time each person can commit to their volunteering varies from individual to individual. It can be as varied as 5 hours per week or 4 hours per month. Volunteers do need to have some availability during office hours, Monday to Friday.

Anything else I should know?

• AdvoCard is very proud to have been awarded an Investing in Volunteers award in 2009! Find out more…
• You are welcome at AdvoCard regardless of age, race, disability, gender, religious belief or sexual orientation. We positively encourage mental health service users to contact us.
• All out of pocket expenses will be covered
• Up to date certification of membership of the The Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme and 2 references will be required after training has been completed.
• Support is provided 1:1 from staff and through peer support groups.

We also run three or four social events for volunteers every year, including BBQs, spring walks and a Christmas get together. These events give us a chance to say thank you to all our volunteers for their hard work, as well as giving them an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

The work of Volunteer Advocacy Workers is guided and governed by AdvoCard’s Policies and Procedures Manual for Volunteer Advocacy Workers.

What’s next…?

Visit our training pages for more details or visit www.timeforadvocacy.org.uk to apply now to volunteer.