Many people in society are disempowered by systems which have a significant effect on almost every aspect of their lives. These are people who are disempowered to such an extent that they are unlikely to be able to fulfil their basic human needs, or demand their basic human rights. A person's initial hopes and dreams can be severely limited by this. Independent Advocacy can help to widen a person's horizons and enable them to become active members of society.

(Extracted from 'Principles and Standards in Independent Advocacy Organisations and Groups', Advocacy 2000)

The main themes of advocacy are:

• Safeguarding people who are vulnerable and discriminated against or whom services find difficult to serve.
• Empowering people who need a stronger voice by enabling them to express their own needs and make their own decisions.
• Enabling people to gain access to information, explore and understand their options, and to make their views and wishes known.
• Speaking on behalf of people who are unable to do so for themselves.
  

For examples of Independent Advocacy, please see our publication, A Voice Through Choice.