Advocacy values, quality standards and the advocacy continuum

Choices Advocacy believe that everyone has the right to be heard and should be able to influence the decisions that are made about them.

Choices Advocacy believe that no one should be disadvantaged or discriminated against because of their disability.

Choices Advocacy believe that everyone with a learning disability should have access to independent advocacy in their time of need.

Choices Advocacy work to a set of agreed quality standards for the people that we support:

• you decide if you want an advocate on what you want them to do
• we only work for you and we are independent of others in your life
• what you tell us is private
• we protect your rights and we make sure that you are involved in the decisions that affect your life
• we value and respect you without judging
• we explain what we do and how we work

There are so many different styles of advocacy that can work. What is important is finding the right one for each person. Here is a plan showing all the different kinds of advocacy that Choices uses to support people to have their say and make their choices:

Don't worry, if you are asking for an advocate for yourself or someone you know, we will work out which style to offer.

The Advocacy Qualification is a City and Guilds Diploma. The majority of Choices Advocacy staff have already been awarded this qualification.