Self advocacy is a group of people who get together to work on issues that are important to them, and to speak up for their rights and the rights of others.

They can be people with learning disabilities, head injuries, mental health problems or physical disabilities.

Case Study

Paul began attending the Blyth Valley Self-Advocacy group with his wife Jane. He and Jane took advantage of a course provided by Spiral Skills called "train the trainers". This equipped them with the skills both to talk to professionals and make presentations to them about their lives, and explain to professionals what they need to know to effectively help people with learning disabilities.

Paul and Jane then joined the Users' Forum and Paul is now co-chair of the Northumberland Learning Disability Partnership Board. Paul and Jane are also members of the Third Degree inspection team, the recent winner of the Best Practice Award in the category of 'Change and Innovation' and the Health and Social Care Award in the category of 'People's Experience'.

Paul is a very talented woodworker, we helped Paul to join a woodworking course at Learning First in Newcastle (our sister charity). Paul recently won an award from Newcastle City Council for his work as a Learning support worker, he has since gone on to complete his studies as a nail technician and continues to add to his training. Jane has successfully completed the first stage in her literacy studies.

The Third Degree Inspectors, with the support of Spiral Skills Advocacy Service and the backing of Northumberland Care Trust, travelled across Northumberland to inspect learning disability day services from a service users' point of view.

In 2008 the Third Degree Inspectors won two regional awards and a national award for their work. If you would like more information on the Third Degree Inspectors or would like to find out how to have your service inspected contact Spiral Skills.

At all times Spiral Skills works to the Advocacy Code of Practice.
Extract from the Code of Practice: "People are entitled to be in control of their own lives but sometimes, whether through frailty, disability, financial circumstances or social attitudes, they may find themselves in a position where their ability to exercise choice or present their own interests is limited. In these circumstances advocates can help ensure that an individual's views and needs are heard, respected and acted upon. Advocacy is taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.”

Please click here to download a full copy of the Advocacy Code of Practice. This is a PDF file if you don't already have Adobe Reader click here to download free.

Confidentiality.
Spiral Skills Advocacy Service has a confidentiality policy and guidelines. We will keep the things you tells us confidential unless it would be dangerous to you or someone else not to. Please visit our downloads page to read the Spiral Skills confidentiality policy, your advocate will be happy to discuss this with you.

Complaints.
If you have a complaint about Spiral Skills Advocacy service, you can be reassured that the appropriate procedure is in operation. If you would like to discuss making a complaint, or you would like a copy of the complaints procedure please contact Spiral Skills or alternatively you can download a copy of the procedure from our web site.

How to get in touch.
Please visit the contact us page for ways to get in touch and visit the downloads page for referral forms, leaflets, policies, guides and feedback forms. Thank you.