Breaking Barriers Conference Programme 2018

breakbinagrriersCONFERENCE PROGRAMME 2018

STNETNOC 4 Agenda 5 Welcome 6 About Advocacy Focus 9 Meet the Speakers 10 The Workshops 13 A Word from our CEO 14 About the Exhibitors 16 How Volunteering Helped Me 17 Why I Became an Advocate 19 Case Study 20 It's Time to Talk 21 Why I Became a Trustee 23 Justice for LB Toolkit 24 Partnership Opportunities 25 Case Study 26 Thank You 27 Our Service Areaswww.advocacyfocus,org,uk CONTENTS  |  PAGE 3

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018AGENDA 09:00 Registration, Tea & Coffee 09:30 Start - Jake Mills, Comedian & Host 09:40 CEO’s Welcome - Justine Hodgkinson 09:50 Mel Varey - Associate Solicitor 10:30 Workshops commence - see page 10-11 11:30 Break 11:45 Mark Neary - Getting Steven Home 12:30 Time to Change / Health & Wellbeing 12:45 Lunch 13:30 Jake Mills, Comedian & Host 13:35 Ian Weedall - Justice for LB Toolkit 13:45 Kate Mercer - Advocacy Trainer 14:15 Workshops commence - see page 10-11 15:15 Tea & Coffee Break 15:30 Jake’s Story - Jake Mills 16:00 Close & Networking \"Advocacy Focus kept me believing in me. They helped Tel: 0300 323 0965 me through my darkest hours, mentally and physically.” - SharonAGENDA  |  PAGE 4 

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018WECHAIR'S LCOMEBy Simon Burrows, Chair of the Board of Trustees,Advocacy Focus I would like to welcome all of you We are delighted that Neil Allen,attending “Breaking Barriers”. This is who was Counsel in Cheshire West isa special event for Advocacy Focus- sharing his experience of the DoLSfirstly, because it brings together with us and discussing whatever it issome very interesting voices, leaders that may replace them- the LiPS!in their different fields. But also, Although the State provides a hugesecondly, because it marks our variety of services to those who needtwentieth birthday as an them, the inability of differentorganisation providing advocacy agencies and providers to join upservices for those in need of help so their efforts to provide a seamlessthat their voices can be heard. We service is most frustrating for thosehave gradually expanded our involved in delivering them. If that isactivities beyond East Lancashire, frustrating for those delivering theand now we are serving services, one can only imagine whatcommunities in Greater Manchester, it is like for those in need of them!West Yorkshire and beyond, as well  The ambition behind this event- asas Lancashire as a whole. well as celebrating our work over 20 Never has it been such an years- is to try to improve theinteresting and exciting time to be conversation between those involvedinvolved in advocacy. The Care Act, in the provision of care and advocacyand the Mental Capacity Act have services. Let s’ hope we can achievecontinued to provide statutory something- now it s’ over to you! backing for advocacy to assist peopleto be heard. The Cheshire West caseexpanded the need for advocates-acting as IMCAs, RPRs and litigationfriends- and gave a voice to manywho had previously been unheard. www.advocacyfocus,org,uk WELCOME |  PAGE 5 

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018ABOUTADVOCACY FOCUS 2C0ENYTERAERDS AODFVPOECRASCOYN- Advocacy means giving a 1998 2003 person support to have their voice heard and empowering Founded as East Our organisation was them with the ability to make Lancashire Advocacy supplemented by the important decisions about their Service (ELAS) providing additions of a Mental lives. Generic Advocacy to the Health Advocacy service We supply a vital service aimed and a Citizens Advocacy at helping people understand community project their rights and express their views to local services and 2004 2007 authorities, whilst remaining independent and confidential We secured the We were part of a at all times. coveted Investors in pioneering collaboration Founded in 1998, we were one People Award, which with three advocacy of the first providers of we still hold to this day providers to create the advocacy and have been Consortium for Advocacy   shaping the industry ever since. 2009 We put people at the heart of 2009 everything we do, we are caring We successfully people who strive to make a achieved the National We played a key part in positive impact in peoples' lives. the development of the Read about our history via the Advocacy Standards National Advocacy timeline! Award, becoming only Qualification   the fifth provider in theABOUT US |  PAGE 6 country to obtain this 2011 accreditation The Consortium for Advocacy was Highly 2010 Commended by the National Charity Awards We were awarded a for the work involved in three year contract with delivering Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy Children in Need to across Lancashire, deliver an advocacy Blackburn with Darwen service to support young and Blackpool people with learning Tel: 0300 3230965 disabilities, 2012 To reflect our growing services and presence in Lancashire and the North-West, we changed our name to Advocacy Focus

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018 2014 2015 WHY COMMISSION US? We picked up a Signed the ‘Time to You don't have to choose us, but here Selnet Award for Change’ employer are a few reasons why you should... pledge working to ‘Most Effective banish the stigma of We’ve been delivering advocacy since its Partnership’ for mental health in the inception. We’re a safe pair hands and will help our work with workplace and Lancashire Care developed a mental you to fulfil your statutory duties. Foundation and health and wellbeing We’re passionately person-centred.  We work policy hard to help people achieve the outcomes that Lancashire County Council 2016 matter to them in their life. Our Advocates are trained in all strands of 2016 We won the coveted advocacy and qualified to Independent ’Outstanding Service’ Advocacy Qualification (IAQ) level so you know We relocated our award at the inaugural that you are working with the best in our sector. Head Office to the National Advocacy By working to your exact requirements, we can iconic Old Tannery Awards   in Accrington, and promise value and quality as standard. 2017 Contact us on: now have offices in Leyland, Fylde We expanded our 0300 323 0965 services to Bradford, and Wyre and providing Return to Lancaster Care Advocacy to support looked after 2017 children who go missing from their care We were re- placement  accredited with the 2018 Advocacy Quality Performance Mark We expand our services (QPM) & launched to Trafford with a three 'Pop Up Advocacy' year contract to across Lancashire provide advocacy to the borough 2017 2018 We were finalists for ‘Charity of the We celebrate 20 years Year’ at the North as the leading advocacy provider; what started West Charity as a generic advocacy Awards 2017 and service supporting the East Lancashire our Volunteer community has now Manager received a expanded into a national operation with Highly over 50 employees Commended across five offices, offering councils the award for opportunity to spot 'Volunteer Manager purchase from anywhere in the UK  of the Year 2017' ABOUT US |  PAGE 7 2018 We host the first Breaking Barriers conference, aiming to bridge gaps between services and better support people in the local community  www.advocacyfocus.org.uk

“We really do appreciate the excellent advocacy you do on behalf of ourservice users. I think we all recognisethat your advocates so often go well above and beyond what we wouldexpect. And often under very difficult circumstances too.” - DoLS Team Manager

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018MEET THESPEAKERSJAKE MILLS - COMEDIAN iJhnaekcaealtmMh picllhasiagiOIrsnNitaiNynC,sgCtLRahaIngaNEdsa-iAiEnungpsStFtcEthOohemeILSNsetLtdiigOgiammnWa,a.woJErafiRktmeerSeiasnntaadnl founder of mental influential figure health issues, andis very open about his own issues having battled with depressionand a suicide attempt. Jake was shortlisted for the LeicesterMercury Award and has performed with some of the biggestnames in comedy.MELANIE VAREY - SOLICITOR Melanie is an associate solicitor in the Community Care andCourt of Protection team at Stephensons law firm. She comesfrom a background in the public and voluntary sectors,including local authority, mental health and women’s aid.Melanie currently represents vulnerable adults and children withmental health problems, physical disabilities and behaviouralproblems.KATE MERCER - ADVOCACY TRAINERKate Mercer is a well-established and trusted advocacy trainer,specialising in City & Guilds advocacy qualifications and trainingevents. She set up Kate Mercer Training in 2009 to focus ondelivering quality training to independent advocates and healthand social care professionals. Kate has worked in theIndependent Advocacy sector for over 10 years, creating anddelivering training courses to improve practice across the board. MARK NEARY - CAMPAIGNER AND AUTHOR MEET THE SPEAKERS  |  PAGE 9 Mark Neary is the author of G‘ etting Steven Home,’ and father to Steven Neary, a young man with autism. Mark wrote his popular book about his two year plight of getting his son out of care and his landmark case against Hillingdon Council. He has now become a public figure in campaigning for human rights for those with learning disabilities and those kept in care.www.advocacyfocus.org.uk

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018THEWORKSHOPS10:30 - 11:30 MAXIMISING CAPACITY – HOW DO WE DO THIS? By Anita Lindon, MCA Practitioner This workshop will look at Assessing Capacity with particular emphasis on principle 2 of the Mental Capacity Act; Practicable Steps / Maximising Capacity. Looking at; what does this mean in practice; what information should we provide to P; how do we decide what is r  elevant to the decision; what should we take into account when presenting the information; what should we record; is there any case law to refer to for guidance? COURT OF PROTECTION UPDATE - RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE, 10:30 - 11:30SEXUAL RELATIONS AND MUCH MORE...By Francesca P Gardner, Barrister at Kings ChambersThis workshop will discuss recent important developments inthe Court of Protection, including issues relating to religiousobservance, capacity to consent to sexual relations and the everchallenging interface between the Mental Capacity Act 2005and the Mental Health Act 1983. 10:30 - 11:30 & BRIDGING THE GAP 14:15 - 15:15 By Leanne Hignett, Advocacy Focus & Kate Mercer, Kate Mercer Training Kate Mercer and Leanne Hignett will be exploring the interface between the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act. This workshop will delve into the new duties under the Care Act, unpicking the duty vs power to instruct an Advocate, bridging knowledge gaps and furthering people’s understanding of when advocacy may be required and which strand.  USING HUMAN RIGHTS IN PRACTICE 14:15 - 15:15 By Helen Wildbore, British Institute of Human Rights Tel: 0300 323 0965 Helen will be exploring the complexities of human rights and how professionals can implement this in their everyday practice. Helen will be exploring the intricacies of human rights in order to improve knowledge and understanding, aid decision-making and give people the confidence to challenge poor practice. THE WORKSHOPS  |  PAGE 10

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018THEWORKSHOPS14:15 - 15:15 LIBERTY SAFEGUARDS UPDATE By Neil Allen, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers Liberty Safeguards Update: in the absence of legislative enthusiasm, Neil will look at developments with the current Article 5/8 safeguards for those kept in institutional and community settings. There will be an update on the scale of the demand for the safeguards, the Ferreira/Briggs approach in hospital settings, the solution found for a lack of representatives in COPDOL cases, and a search for best practice. If you haven t' yet signed up to a workshop, please see a member of the Advocacy Focus team who willbe able to let you know which workshops are still available.

Got a quick question? Or need a referral form?You can find everything you need on the Advocacy Focus website and you can even speak to an Advocate via our live chat!www.advocacyfocus.org.uk

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018VOLUNTEERING AT ADVOCACY FOCUS HELPED MYMENTAL HEALTHTHCRAENE YTOOUFOSPUARRHEOAUMRSINPIMERUMWEOEFK? In 2017, we increased our volunteer team by 85 7. %, butIf thevoalnusnwteeer risyo'YuErSt'i,mpeerwhaitphs you could come and our volunteers don’t just help Advocacy Focus. others, often they find that volunteering helps them too! Wcaenloeomkpfoowr pear sostihoenrastetoafninddetmhpeiartvhoeitciec iannddivcidhuamalspwiohno Here one of our volunteers talks Lsauoupureprfonoor,rrtgwhafehrnrooimeshaxactoiseoulrnrlee.a cnOwecuiaevrreidvnd-owtalurwiannianntreiidnnesggrsaVarnneodcdluecnmiovtmeeenedmrteoeMdrniiancdngaaat.tgeiodenr,s about how volunteering with Advocacy Focus improved herpIlfeyaosue acroenitnatcetroesutrevdoilnunvtoeleurnmteaenrianggewr Litahuuresn, mental wellbeing and helped on [email protected].   her better manage her bi-polar. I\" am really enjoying coming inVOLUNTEERING |  PAGE 16 to the office and being amongst people. I like being busy, sorting out my three children and then coming into the office. It is putting structure in my life. I like home visits and I m' really interested in the IMHA I/ MCA work. \"I feel like everything that I have gone through in my life has led me to this point\" M\" ental health is something I feel passionate about, especially after suffering with illness myself. I love feeling part of a team and my self-belief and confidence are really coming along nicely. I\" feel like everything that I have gone through in my life has led me to this point. I feel happy to just be somewhere where I can be myself and not be judged. To empower other people and really believe in my heart that I am capable, will be a dream come true and I am beginning to know my worth.\" Tel: 0300 323 0965

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018AWDHVYOICBAETCEAME ANBy Leanne Barber I,  ndependent Advocate, Advocacy FocusLeanne has been withAdvocacy Focus for sixyears, she was runner upin the National AdvocacyAwards 2016 for BestIndependent Advocate.I\" wanted to become an Advocate What skills do you need to becomeafter a friend of mine suffered with an Advocate?several mental health issues, and To \" be an Advocate you need to bewas not taken seriously by resilient and strong. At times youprofessionals, or offered the right need to challenge decisions made,help and support. This led to which doesn’t come easy. You neednumerous suicide attempts, one of to be passionate about the peoplewhich was successful and sadly my you support, and you need to believefriend passed away. that you can always improveI\" knew this was a job where I felt I someone s’ life.could make a real difference and  \"You need to be kind hearted andcould campaign for the right support caring, and most of all a fantasticfor people with mental health issues, listener. You need to work hard, andwho sometimes are in desperate have motivation and be inspired bysituations. I was successful in the the people you work with every day.post and have never looked back. I\" feel fortunate that all of the aboveI\" absolutely love my job and I feel so apply to me and I work in a verypassionate about the people I supportive organisation and I wouldsupport. I aim to change peoples' not change my career for anything.\"lives for the better by upholdingtheir rights, and ensuring they alwaysfeel supported, and have their views,wishes and feelings heard.\" www.advocacyfocus.org.uk WHY I BECAME AN ADVOCATE |  PAGE 17

I“ found the Advocate very easy towork with, she was professional and approachable to the service user.She communicated well and I feltwe both had the service user’s best interests at the heart of our roles.” - Social Worker, Care Act Assessment Thank you to HGA Creative for providing the audio and visual equipment for Breaking Barriers 2018 www.hgacreative.com

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018CHAELSPEISNTGU MDAYR: YI\" f we didn't challengethe decision to not tellMary of her son'spassing, she may nothave had the chance topay her final respects toher son.”Mary is an elderly woman who Our Advocate also arranged for asuffers from dementia and resides in care assessment to assess hera care home; she is unable to leave physical and mental needs. Duringthe care home without a staff the Court of Protection proceedings,member with her. When we were Mary’s son unfortunately andappointed to support Mary, Mary unexpectedly passed away followingowned her own home which her son a short term illness. Healthoccupied. professionals debated whether toMary very strongly opposed living in tell Mary this traumatic information.the care home and wished to return Our Advocate liaised withto her own home, she didn’t believe professionals and Mary s’ family toshe needed to be in the care home reach a decision in Mary s’ bestand very sternly insisted on being interest. A plan was put in place toreturned home. tell Mary the news in a sensitive manner which she no doubt wouldH  ow we helped find extremely difficult and upsetting.An Independent Mental Capacity Mary was informed of the news in aAdvocate was assigned to support gentle manner and was able toMary regarding her DoLS attend her son’s funeral. Ourauthorisation. Although Mary was Advocate said of this particular case:too ill to return to her home, the If:“ we hadn't challenged theAdvocate listened carefully to her decision to not tell Mary of her son s'wishes and successfully managed to passing, she may not have had thearrange regular h‘ ome visits’ for Mary chance to pay her final respects toto return to her familiar home her son.”setting and spend quality time withher son. www.advocacyfocus.org.uk CASE STUDY  |  PAGE 19

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018#TIMETOCHANGEIT'S TIME TO TALKAdvocacy Focus has pledged to support Time to Change, this is a     I can't thank Advocacy Focusnational movement that aims to change the way people view enough for the support I havemental health. Time to Change began in 2007 and since then received with regards to myaround 4.1 million adults in England have improved attitudes wellbeing and also my personaltowards mental health problems and more people than ever are and professional development -able to be open about their mental health problems. all of which are in a better placeOur Time to Change champions aim to reduce the amount of than they have ever been. I havediscrimination that people with mental health problems reportin their lives and make sure that those effected can take action never worked in such ato chYaeltletnhgeeshstaimgmeaananddsidleisnccreimcainnation they face. Out supportive and proactivechambepiaosnbsapdroavsidtheeamlisetnetnailnhgeeaaltrh, and support in any way they organisation and hope to do socan pwriothboleumt aintsyejluf.d9goeumt eonf t1.0They might be able to offer advice for many years to come.or popienotppleohpalveeinfatcheedrsigithgtmdairoecr tion if this is required. - Advocacy Focus Team Member discrimination in relation toWHY TALK?their mental health problems.STAT Start a conversationSUCCESS RATE IN about mentalPRODUCTS health today.A big project involves For moreoverseeing a lot of moving informationparts, oftentimes. visit time-to- change.org.uk STAT INCREASE IN OVERALL SALESIT'S TIME TO TALK  |  PAGE 20 Tel: 0300 323 0965

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018WTRHUYSTI EBEECAME ABy Alan, Trustee of Advocacy FocusAlan has been a trustee “As I continued to volunteer anfor two years. Here, he opportunity to join the board arosetells us how and why he and apparently my CV fitted one ofbecame involved with the criteria they were looking for. IAdvocacy Focus was formally appointed I 2016.”  “Along with the other trustees I now“Having spent over 30 years in the contribute to the overallCharity Commission, the regulator of management of the charity. Thecharities in England and Wales, I board of trustees are responsible for\"became very attached to the ensuring that the charity carries outcharitable sector and the work it did. its purpose, in accordance with the“When the opportunity of voluntary law and meets every six weeks.redundancy presented itself, I We “ oversee the long term planningjumped at the offer. I  was then in of what the charity will do, how itthe position of having considerable will do it and ensure that theexperience and knowledge of the appropriate resources (particularlysector, a desire to make a difference money and people) are available toand a lot of free time on my hands. carry out those plans. We have aAnd then I saw an advert inviting me responsibility to ensure, on a regularto be a volunteer with Advocacy basis that funds are being usedFocus. appropriately. It is equally importantI “ was surprised at the variety and to also ensure that the right supportcomplexity of the work in which is available to staff, volunteers andAdvocates were involved and beneficiaries.amazed at the level of skill and I “ am extremely proud of the workexpertise. I received some excellent that Advocacy Focus does and thetraining as part of my induction and difference we make to people thatwork shadowed a number of the full need our support. I am consistentlytime advocates. impressed with the calibre of work that we deliver. And I am honoured and privileged to be a trustee of such a very special organisation.”  BECOME A TRUSTEE TODAY Trustees play a vital role, volunteering their time and expertise tomake important decisions about our charity. Trustees help make the UK the sixth most giving country in the world! If you're interested in becoming a Trustee for Advocacy Focus, contact John or Justine on 0300 323 0965www.advocacyfocus.org.uk TRUSTEES  |  PAGE 21

\"Advocacy Focus have been an absolute lifeline for me andmy sister - nothing is too much trouble for them.\" - Maria

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018#JUSTICEFORLBYOUR NEW TOOLKIT WHAT IS IT? Advocacy Focus’ Justice for LB toolkit has been developed in The toolkit is an overview and information piece for professionals co-production with groups who assess people with learning disabilities, it will also apply to across Lancashire. It was created from feedback from service anyone who has a communication difficulty or issue with users to aid professionals when processing or understanding information. completing care assessments, with people who suffer from The toolkit includes interactive ‘Easy Read’ documents co- learning difficulties. produced by Advocacy Focus to support assessments and to This toolkit gives health and enable people who may have trouble communicating to become social care professionals access to tools to help those more involved in decisions surrounding their care. undergoing care assessments become more involved,. It Download the toolkit now by going to provides useful information and advocacyfocus.org.uk/justiceforlb guidance about working with people who have learningwww.advocacyfocus.org.uk disabilities, communication or cognitive issues.  About Justice for LB Connor Sparrowhawk, aka LB‘ ,’ was a young man who had a preventable death whilst in an assessment unit m( anaged by Southern Health NHS Trust) on  4th July 2013. The Justice for LB campaign is about raising the awareness of the need for professionals to ensure they take an holistic approach to assessments, looking at the whole person rather than just an issue and using the support networks around them for comprehensive and person- centred assessments. This will hopefully avoid future unnecessary deaths like Connors.   To find out more and download the full toolkit and all the Easy Read documents, visiting the Advocacy Focus website at advocacyfocus.org.uk.  JUSTICE FOR LB  |  PAGE 23

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018WE WELCOMEPOAPRPOTNRETRUSNHITIPIES Fancy working together? Then get in touch with our Business Development Manager, Ronnie, via the details below.  RONNIE CHIKWAMA Business Development Manager T: 07841028147 E: [email protected] u. k WHAT OUR PARTNERS SAY: \"Bootstrap Enterprises continue to value our longstanding partnership with Advocacy Focus.  Their commitment to our (often vulnerable) customers and their energetic support of our ongoing service development objectives demonstrates how committed, effective and embracing an organisation they are in contributing towards improving lives in Lancashire.\" - Dave Wylie, Work Programme Manager, Bootstrap Enterprises I \" have worked as a DoLS Officer for my Local Authority since April 2009. Since then, I have built a good working relationship with Advocacy Focus. All the staff and volunteers have been professional, provided good reports and have - in my opinion - always worked with their service users at the centre of their approach.\" - Local Authority Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) OfficerPARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES  |  PAGE 24 Tel: 0300 323 0965

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018CHAELSPEISNTGU ADMYI: RAmir felt as though he had During the second visit Amir couldbeen listened to and that not recall the Advocate from thehe benefitted greatly from previous visit. He could howeverthe help of an Advocate.  recall the events which led to his admission to hospital and expressedAmir is a 43 year old man who lives that he could not understand whyin Burnley, he has no history of he was there and that he had neveraccessing mental health services. He had mental health issues before.was detained by the police on a  The IMHA explained that their rolesection 136 when he crashed his car in supporting Amir was to help himinto a wall with no other vehicles access and understand theinvolved. After being treated for restrictions of the section, explainminor injuries he was taken by the what his rights were under thepolice to the mental health acute Mental Health Act and help him beinpatient ward attached to the heard about what he wanted aroundhospital. his care and treatment.Amir was given a mental health  The Advocate went through all theassessment and agreed to stay in papers with Amir and explained hehospital as an informal patient, had a right to appeal his detentionwhere he stayed for two days before .The Advocate also explained thatattempting to leave. Amir was then they could support Amir atdetained under section 2 of the meetings.Mental Health Act 1983 (amended in  Amir requested that the Advocate2007).  This detention lasts for 28 attend and support him during adays. meeting, our Advocate met withAmir was so distressed by this that Amir half an hour prior to thehe was moved from the main ward meeting to help him prepare someto a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. notes. He used the list of questionsHe was given his rights under the he had prepared prior to theMental Health Act and as part of this meeting, which was mainly aroundprocess was advised of his right to an medication and discharge.Independent Mental Health As a result of this meeting, theAdvocate to support him around his psychiatrist felt that Amir no longerdetention. needed to be under a section but asked him to stay for a few days as aHow we helped voluntary patient. Amir agreed to stay for a further two days and alsoOne of our Independent Mental to some visits from the RestartHealth Advocates (IMHAs) arranged team. to visit Amir. During the visit the The outcome: Amir felt as though heAdvocate advised Amir of his rights had been listened to and that hebut he was unable to take these on benefitted greatly from the help ofboard. The Advocate rearranged to an Independent Advocate. visit Amir again in two days.  Read more success stories over at www.advocacyfocus.org.uk CASE STUDY |  PAGE 25

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018A BIG THANK YOUFor attending Breaking Barriers 2018 and for your continued support.From all the team at Advocacy Focus.“ Onhaavepomsiatidvee tnhoistepIrowcoeuslsdelxiktreemtoetlhyapnl k you and all your staff owfho managing la rge businesses and advisi easant o Imn all my years rely ng cus t. ers I have raenTchoueyntaerreead csruecdhitatgoryoouupaonfdmyootuivraotregda,nhiasaptpioynananddcoituhrtaesobuesesntaaff.   privilege meeting them all.wo\"EuvldenwtehlocuomghemthyesochpepdourtluenditwyotrokrfeotruyrnouifisnontehairninggelcsoemfoprleaticounpIpa with you and your staff.” - John Hopwood - Health and Safety Consultant Keep up to date with all the latest Advocacy Focus news, case studies and sector information: facebook.com/advocacyfocus @AdvocacyFocus linkedin.com/company/advocacy-focus @advocacyfocusTHANK YOU  |  PAGE 26 Tel: 0300 323 0965

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018TTHHEE EAVDOVLOUCTAIOTEN OF By Justine Hodgkinson, CEO of Advocacy Focus Advocacy Focus turns 20 this year and is a similar process to Ofsted going into shares its anniversary with women a school, in order to appeal to winning the right to vote 100 years ago. commissioning and procurement  I’ve been reading about women that teams.   have rocked the world with my All of which is necessary to offer daughter and I stumbled across a continuity of advocacy and a person quote that brought my team to mind. centred approach, with the wellbeing  Amelia Earhart, an aviation pioneer, of our beneficiaries at the heart of the author and the first woman to cross the process.  We are here at conference Atlantic Ocean solo, was quoted as today because our team embraced this saying ‘The most difficult thing is the approach.  Their decision to act, along decision to act, the rest is merely with hard work, determination and tenacity’.  This set me thinking about heaps of tenacity paid off.  We have our team and how the word ‘tenacious’ subsequently won several awards for is often used in relation to our both our service and individuals in our advocates, and not always in a good team, secured contracts beyond our way! Most of our team at some point or Lancashire borders and gone from another have been classed as being strength to strength in terms of gold- ‘tenacious’, ‘over-zealous’ or downright standard advocacy.  However, we won t’ annoying by fellow professionals, family rest there, that is just not an option for members and even the occasional a team full of advocates! I am pleased judge.  However, it secured Amelia a to say however, that our team have place in history, so tenacity is no bad never changed in one respect. thing, is it?   They have and will always continue to There is no doubt about it, the role of represent the people who use our our advocates has evolved significantly service as if their views were their own. in the 20 years since Advocacy Focus, Even if those views and choices may or East Lancashire Advocacy Service as seem a little unusual, risky or it was originally known, first opened its downright unorthodox, because that is doors.  The role, which began as what an advocate does.  They listen, community advocacy, used to be they support and they help people to considered a caring role and achieve the outcomes that matter to something that people chose to do to them in their lives.   Whatever that make a small contribution towards looks like and sometimes under their communities.  Fast forward 20 extreme pressure, and outright years, throw statutory advocacy into criticism, from others. T  here are so the mix, and the introduction of the many of you at our conference today Care Act in 2014 and the role requires that completely get that and intensive training, working knowledge understand the role our charity was set of the Mental Capacity, Mental Health, up to perform. However we still have a Human Rights and Care Acts and the long way to go to convince everyone Advocacy Charter before we can even that an advocate’s primary function is think about releasing an advocate to fly to put the person at the heart of the solo. process and enable them to be seen, The Care Act professionalised the heard and listened to. O  ur advocates advocacy sector like never before and care, they go above and beyond, like called for all advocates to be multi Amelia did and I for one salute them skilled and able to deliver all aspects of and their tenacity.   advocacy.  Investment in a national Here’s to a great conference, our 20th advocacy qualification is a requirement year and to working in partnership. for all team members and our Thank you for your support.  organisation has to hold a quality performance benchmark, which FROM OUR CEO |  PAGE 13www.advocacyfocus.org.uk

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018ABOUT THE EXHIBITORSTHE EXHIBITORS |  PAGE 14 Make sure you stop by and speak to all of our exhibitors at Breaking Barriers 2018. We've provided a brief overview of each exhibitor below. ESTHER NIMMO - INDEPENDENT TRAINER Esther is an independent trainer and engagement project manager with a passion for empowerment, choice and creativity. CARERS LINK Carers Link support unpaid carers who look after a family member or friend across Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.   ODONNELLS SOLICITORS Preston based Odonnells specialise in Court of Protection, liberty, mental capacity, IMCA, legal aid, best interests cases, supporting their clients’ dignity, assets and family. CYGNET (BUILDING BLOCKS COMPUTER SERVICESS) Cygnet is a premium Advocacy Case Management System, set up to manage projects and funding schemes for advocacy cases. NAPTHENS Napthens provides a wide range of legal services to meet the needs of businesses and individuals across Preston, Blackburn, Blackpool, Southport, Kendal & Penrith. Tel: 0300 323 0965

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018 ACTIV PEOPLE HR THE EXHIBITORS |  PAGE 15 Activ People HR is an intuitive, module based and fully supported cloud based HR software, loved by HR managers everywhere. VICTIM SUPPORT Victim Support is a charity that offers free and confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime, helping people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime. LANCASHIRE WOMEN'S CENTRE Lancashire Women s’ Centres provide a safe, non-judgemental and professional environment for females, whether it’s personal development, employment advice or a place to talk without judgement.   U-NIGHT GROUP U-Night Group is run by people with a learning disability for people with a learning disability, helping members build meaningful connections, make new friends and have a good social life! HEALTHWATCH LANCASHIRE Healthwatch Lancashire is a public voice on health and social care, making sure residents’ views on these services are listened to by those who manage and run them, DISCOVER DRUG & ALCOHOL RECOVERY SERVICES Offers a wide range of recovery support to adults who are experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol in Central Lancashire.www.advocacyfocus.org.uk

BREAKING BARRIERS 2018OUR SERVICE AREAS You can also Tel: 0300 323 0965 Spot Purchase Us from anywhere in the UK!THANK YOU  |  PAGE 27

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