Brothers of Charity - Advocacy

ADVOCACY IN THE BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND

Introduction
Advocacy is about people speaking up for themselves and others. Service Providers must listen and respond to what people are saying about their own choices, needs, wishes and views. Self-Advocacy is when an individual speaks up for themselves. Citizen Advocacy is a structured process whereby an advocate speaks on behalf of an individual.

Advocacy is the process through which people are given a voice. They are given the tools and knowledge to enable them to express their views themselves or through an "Advocate" - a person who communicates the views and requirements of the individual to a wider audience.

DOWNLOAD BROTHERS OF CHARITY HUMAN RIGHTS CHARTER (PDF)

Download the BOCSI Human Rights Poster here

Structure
The Brothers of Charity Services recognise the rights of the individual, and support the system of Advocacy throughout their services. Within the Brothers of Charity services the National Advocacy Council represents all of the people who use our services, and offers their talents, experiences and views to the wider organisation. Local groups elect the Local Advocacy Council, which in turn nominates members to the National Advocacy Council. The National Advocacy Council meets with the Chief Executive's Forum on a bi-annual basis.

Duty of Staff
Self-advocacy is a vital dimension of our services, therefore it is the duty of each staff member to encourage and aid people who use our services to exercise choice and express their opinions. Each service for adults has an elected Self-advocacy Group to represent the interest of people who use our services.

With the introduction of Person Centred Planning, a framework for Advocacy, it is essential that all Staff members are aware that the people they serve have the right to speak up for themselves. It is the duty of all staff members of the Brothers of Charity Services to listen to people who use our services and act on any issues that may arise.