National Advocacy Service Launched March 2011
March 2011
A new National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) has been launched, today, by the Minister for Social Protection Ms Joan Burton T.D. The service will provide independent, representative advocacy services for vulnerable people with disabilities. It is managed by five Citizens Information Services with teams based around the country with regional offices in Dublin, Westmeath, Offaly, Waterford and Leitrim. The service is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board.
The keynote speaker Caroline Casey, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Kanchi outlined the importance of the new service and the benefits of supporting an inclusive society where everyone has something to offer.
Speaking at the launch of the National Advocacy Service, Tony McQuinn, Chief Executive, Citizens Information Board said: "Many people with disabilities are well equipped to make their own decisions when they have access to the necessary information and advice. However, some vulnerable people with disabilities are at a disadvantage when claiming their entitlements or making important decisions. The new National Advocacy Service will give a voice to those who are isolated in the community or who live in residential institutions and who cannot represent themselves. The Service will protect their rights, help them gain their entitlements and make positive changes in their quality of life"
The new service follows the completion of a 5 year pilot Advocacy Programme for People with Disabilities which supported 46 projects nationwide. An independent evaluation report praised the achievements of the pilot programme for the innovative work undertaken and the number of cases (over 6,000) dealt with. The report recommended the development of a national structure to create better co-ordination and a more consistent service for people with disabilities.
Trained advocates will bring positive change for people with disabilities, supporting them to access social welfare, housing and improved living conditions. They can help people reintegrate into the community on leaving a residential institution and link them with local support services. Some of the life changing improvements already achieved through advocacy are illustrated in the following case studies:
Case A: Louise was in a residential institution for people with serious mental health issues. It was meant to be a temporary solution following her brother's death. Five years later she was still there and her behaviour and demeanour deteriorated. With advocate assistance her case was reviewed and she was transferred to another service and is now living in a house setting with a small number of people and is happy.
Case B: Mary had an intellectual disability and with support from an advocate went through a Childcare case review process for [access to] her daughter who is in foster care. She attended meetings and a subsequent court hearing in which access arrangements were made for her to see her daughter. This was the first time in many years that she had access.
Case C: John wanted to issue instructions with regard to his savings and investments. Due to paraplegia he was unable to sign his name on the required bank form. Following representations by an advocate and confirmation that the client was able to make decisions, the bank issued a form that could be signed by a witness. For the first time in four years he was now able to direct his financial affairs.
Feedback from advocates can facilitate change within services, raising expectations, giving people with disabilities more choice, improving their social skills and supporting them to self-advocate.
The new service has 5 regional based Managers, 7 Senior Advocates and 28 Advocates. The names and contact details of the NAS Managers are as follows:
- Dublin Region: Ben North, Advocacy Manager, Clondalkin CIS. Tel: 086 0218778
- North East Region: Louise Loughlin, Advocacy Manager, Co Westmeath CIS Tel: 086 4102083
- South East Region: Selena Doyle, Advocacy Manager, Co Offaly CIS Tel: 086 0409978
- South West Region: Patricia O'Dwyer, Advocacy Manager, Co Waterford CIS Tel: 086 0223984
- West/North West Region: Josephine Keaveney, Advocacy Manager, Co Leitrim CIS Tel: 086 0201095
Other speakers at the event included Marie Wolfe, from Galway who spoke about the benefits of an advocacy service that helped her to move to independent living. Also, Angelina Veiga of St John of God's Carmona Services who spoke about the importance of independent advocacy from a service providers point of view.
Pictured at the NAS launch were from left: Caroline Casey, Keynote Speaker and Founder of Kanchi, Sylda Langford, Chair CIB, Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. and Tony McQuinn, CEO.
Pictured: Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. with a group of attendees at the launch.
