Becoming an advocate

Who are we looking for?

Advocates can come from a variety of different backgrounds and don't need to have a recognised qualification, or relevant work experience. After all, who needs a qualification to be someone’s friend? In fact, the best advocates are often people who can approach a new relationship without the prejudices and preconceptions that can accompany a professional, or service-orientated way of looking at things.

That said, any experience of helping other people, whether on a personal or a professional basis, is more than welcome and can be advantageous when acting as a short-term advocate on specific issues. Picture of a young woman who might wish to become an advocate
Above all else, we are looking for ordinary members of the public who can:

• Appreciate and value new friendships in their lives

• Recognise other people’s unique talents and gifts

• Help people make their own decisions

• Treat others as an equal; and

• Help people to have a voice

How do I get involved?

The general process by which a person comes on board as an advocate is as follows:

• Initial enquiries can be made over the phone, or by e-mail

• A meeting with one of the project workers is arranged, daytime or evening, either at the Powerful Partnerships office, or at a place more convenient you. This meeting is not a formal interview, but rather a chance for the project worker to find out who you are, what sort of things motivate you, hobbies and interests and why you are interested in becoming an advocate

• An advocate profile form is completed and submitted via your project worker. This form comprises sections for contact details, personal interests and the requirement for two references

• A CRBS disclosure is also required prior to becoming an advocate, which is arranged and paid for by Powerful Partnerships

Picture of a man giving a piggy-back to his female friend

• Once your project worker has identified a suitable person to be your advocacy partner, a number of meetings will be arranged (with the project worker present) so that you can be introduced and begin to get to know each other. If, after these meetings, both parties wish to stay in contact, then advocate and partner are a matched in either a long-term, or short-term partnership

• Thereafter, the project worker withdraws from the partnership, but continues to support both advocate and partner in their growing relationship

• New advocates are invited to attend the ‘Preparation Course’, which is spread over approximately two months and consists of regular evening sessions dealing with topical issues that might arise in your partnership (e.g boundaries, confidentiality, benefits, assertiveness skills, etc). The Preparation Course is also an excellent opportunity to meet and exchange tips with fellow advocates