Volunteer Advocate

Our Volunteer Advocates help older and vulnerable people understand their options, access information and services, and make sure their wishes and views are heard.

Working alongside our Advocacy & Casework Lead, you might help someone make telephone calls, understand correspondence, complete forms, gather information or prepare for and attend meetings or appointments. The aim is always to help people make their own informed choices and speak up for themselves wherever possible.

You won’t be expected to give legal, financial or medical advice, and you won’t be left to manage difficult or complex situations alone. Training, guidance and ongoing support are provided by Gosport Community Support.

No professional advocacy experience or qualifications are required. References and a DBS check will be required.

Skills

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Patient and good listeners
• Calm, approachable and non-judgemental
• Good communicators, both verbally and in writing
• Able to understand information and explain it clearly
• Organised and comfortable keeping basic records
• Able to remain impartial and represent someone else’s views rather than their own
• Respectful of confidentiality, consent and personal choice
• Reliable, trustworthy and willing to ask for guidance when needed

Experience of advocacy, health and social care, benefits, housing or supporting vulnerable people would be useful, but it is not essential. Training and support will be provided.