Volunteer Advocates make a positive difference to their advocacy Partner’s life and wellbeing. While the role of an Advocate can at times be challenging, it is also extremely rewarding.

Each partnership is unique and is agreed on by both the Advocate and their Partner depending on availability, interests, and location. Dunfermline Advocacy supports all Advocates and Partners along their advocacy journey and ensures the right matches are made to promote a long-lasting, natural friendship built on trust and respect.

Long-Term Citizen Advocacy

Long-term Citizen Advocacy is based on a long-lasting friendship of respect and equality between two individuals. Volunteer Advocates spend time getting to know their Partner and understanding what issues are important to them. They provide support to help make decisions, allow their Partner to put forward their own views, and most importantly, are a friendly face and companion.

Like all relationships, every Citizen Advocacy Partnership is unique, but in general a Long-Term Citizen Advocate:

• Gets to know their Partner, spending time together and building up a picture of the Partner’s life
• Helps the Partner to examine their situation and decide what issues are important to them
• Spends time discussing different options so that the Partner has unbiased support to help them to make vital decisions
• Focuses on what the Partner wants and helps them to put their own views forward
• Treats the Partner as an equal and encourages others to do the same
• Is prepared to make a long-term commitment once the partnership is established

Short-Term Citizen Advocacy

In short-term Citizen Advocacy partnerships, the trusting relationship is just as important as it is for long-term partnerships, but there is a more immediate issue to address and the partnership will usually end when this is resolved.

Short-term Advocates work with their Partners to ensure that their needs and views are represented. This could involve:

• Attending important meetings alongside their Partner
• Helping their Partner to complete forms or paperwork
• Preparing for and supporting their Partner at health or social care appointments
• Assisting their Partner to deal with urgent concerns such as housing, health, or finances

Volunteering as a short-term Advocate is a great way for those who are unable to make a long-term commitment to still make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in their community.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Advocate, please contact us to hear more.