Advocacy Matters aims to ensure vulnerable people are heard and that their rights, concerns and needs are acted upon.
Advocacy in all its forms seeks to ensure that people, particularly those who are most vulnerable in society, are able to; have their voice heard on issues that are important to them, defend and safeguard their rights and have their views and wishes genuinely considered when decisions are being made about their lives.
Advocacy Matters is a Birmingham based charity that began in 2002. Advocacy can be helpful in all kinds of situations where you find it difficult to make your views known or need other people listen to you and take your views into account. An advocate might help you access information you need or go with you to meetings or interviews, in a supportive role. You may want your advocate to write letters on your behalf, or speak for you in situations where you don’t feel able to speak for yourself.
Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to:
- Express their views and concerns.
- Access information and services.
- Defend and promote their rights and responsibilities.
- Explore choices and options