Nola Ellen Training Advocacy Skills

Advocacy Skills February 2016

Copyright © 2016 Nola Ellen Training and Consultancy


Learning Objectives:To explore:

•What is advocacy?•Why and when may our client group need advocacy support?•What values and skills underpin effective advocacy?•How and when can I use this approach as part of my volunteer role with LASSN?•Where can my befriendee and I go for further information and support?


Group Agreement

• Participate and share ideas.• Confidentiality of information shared & limits of confidentiality. • Mobile phones on silent.• Listening carefully to others and respecting difference of opinion and values.• Respectful challenging of views or behaviours (not the person) which may be

hurtful or prejudiced.• Supporting each other to start and end the training on time.• Use of the parking lot for unanswered questions and areas for further

discussion.


Ebor Court Building

Timings Session 1 10:00-11:45 (what & why)Break 11:45-12:00Session 2 12:00-13:30 (when & how)Lunch 13:30-14:15 (Provided)Session 3 14:15-16:00 (how)Finish 16:00

Training materials – are available


Ice breaker


Thought shower... A) What is advocacy?

B) Why and when may asylum seekers and refugees need

advocacy support?


Advocacy is about: Ensuring people have the information they need to make the right choices for them. Supporting people to find their voice, speak up and be heard. Helping people to secure their rights, the services and support they need. Enabling people to play a full part in their communities.


An advocate:Listens, helps people to find their voice, asks questions, goes along to meetings, helps people understand information and know their rights, may help with making telephone calls or writing letters.

An advocate shouldn’t tell others what to do, talk against people’s wishes or keep information from the person they are advocating for.


ACTIVITY Models of Advocacy


Video from Advonet Leeds

What is advocacy?


Is there a need for advocacy support amongst our client group?


Literacy levels

Dispersal

PovertyInstability

Trauma

Complex processes

Change

Mental health difficulties

Physical health needs

Feeling a lack of safety / security

DiscriminationRacism

Restricted choices

Isolation

Language barriers

Cultural differences

Fear of detention / forced removal

Difficulty obtaining a school place

Difficulties accessing legal representation

Inflexible reporting requirements

Destitution

Loss, separation and bereavement

Uncertainty about the future

Anxiety

Depression

Lack of interpreters

Fear

Poor housing

Lack of awareness of rights and servicesMistrusting of authority

Low self confidence

Helping someone to communicate using a

method which is helpful for them and enables them to fully express

themselves.


During meetings

When someone wants to make a

compliant

Accessing help / support services / resources

Helping someone access education,

training, work

Helping someone access leisure activities


ACTIVITY What values and skills

underpin effective advocacy?


Values


Can anyone share an example of a time you have advocated as part of your role with LASSN?

What steps did you take?What values and skills did you use?What was the outcome?Would you do anything different next time?


Listen to, understand and promote the wishes and feelings of your befriendee. Try to find out exactly how they feel about a situation. Be Empowering, for example ask your befriendee what they would like to happen next, encourage them to do things for themselves with your support. Build their confidence and avoid over dependency. Take time to gather all the necessary information before talking through various options, be aware of the possible consequences of different options available.


Inform befriendee of their rights and inform them of any legal issues so that they can make an informed choice. Be aware of your own personal values and the limits of your role. Be sensitive to the power dynamics. Be mindful of safeguarding and the limits of confidentiality. Use the support that is available to you.


Roles and Boundaries Exercise

What would you do and who should you involve for additional

support?


Where can I go for further information and support?

Contact us at LASSN: Tel: 0113 373 1759

Befriending Manager: Nola 07845 298039English at Home Manager: Catherine 07927 808375Grace Hosting Manager: Jo 07927 808372LASSN Director: Jon 07845 298047



A very useful directory of services in Leeds for refugees and asylum seekers can be found at:

www.lassn.org.uk/onlinedirectory/

You can post Q&A’s and review other peoples Q&A’s at the LASSN website under resources – LASSN Q&A Board.

http://www.lassn.org.uk/onlinedirectory/



Upcoming LASSN Volunteer Training -

Asylum and refugee support in Leeds: who does whatIf you ever feel like the person you know needs more support, but you’re not sure who else can help.

Wednesday March 16th 17:30 – 19:00


Just Drop-in or Ring 0113 235 1877

Monday: Appointments OnlyTuesday: Drop-in: 10.00 – 12.00Wednesday: Drop-in: 10.00 – 12.00Appointments: 12.00 – 3.00

Advonet267 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS8 4HS


Today we have explored: •What is advocacy?•Why and when may our client group need advocacy support?•What values and skills underpin effective advocacy?•How and when can I use this approach as part of my volunteer role with LASSN?•Where can my befriendee and I go for further information and support?


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