Informal Advocacy

 

 

A DEFINITION

We often encounter people in our daily lives who are isolated and need support in expressing themselves or in speaking out about what they want. They could be friends, relatives, neighbours or others that we meet.  For instance, they might want help in understanding a letter or a form or with making an important telephone call. We call this help ‘informal advocacy’ and any of us could find ourselves both in need of it and capable of providing it at different points in our lives. However, we can struggle with lack of knowledge about where to go for help and with confidence in our own ability to make a difference.

Our Looking out for each other Project (see 'Projects') produced a handbook defining the various types of informal advocacy and possible support mechanisms that could strengthen the vital role that informal advocates play within communities. The document includes looking at conflicts of interest and how to address these. 'Looking out for each other - defining informal advocacy' was launched at a special event in Tipton in the West Midlands on 20th March 2024.

 

For information about obtaining a copy of this and other publications, please contact us at advocacynatcoalition@gmail.com or on 0151 734 5404