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Volunteers who help to make a difference

11:00pm Wednesday 13th January 2010


PEOPLE with learning difficulties often struggle to tackle tasks many people would consider relatively straightforward.

Actions like taking a walk, booking a holiday or learning how to use a mobile phone can be extremely difficult for those with disabilities.

This is why Basildon and Thurrock Independent Advocacy Service (Batias) and its team of volunteers are on hand to help hundreds in this situation.

With the help of these volunteers, known as citizen advocates, sufferers of conditions like autism, Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities can make decisions to improve the quality of their lives.

This year, the service, which has been extended to support people in Southend, Rochford, Castle Point and Brentwood, is appealing for more citizen advocates to continue the support.

“We currently have a waiting list of 50 to 60 people who would like to have a citizen advocate in their life,” says Angie Cahill, citizen advocacy manager at Batias.

“It’s hugely rewarding and many of my current citizen advocates say they get back far more than they give.

“It doesn’t matter where you live in south Essex, you can get involved.”

So how does being a citizen advocate help and what exactly does it entail?

The aim of the volunteering service is to support people so they can speak up for themselves.

This could include anything from organising a night class to sitting with someone during their review at a residential home.

“We help to make the best decision for that person,” says Angie.

“In a way, we give a voice to people with learning disabilities.

“We don’t give advice, but help people find the right advice.

“It’s about allowing them to become independent.”

There are currently between 20 and 25 citizen advocates who help hundreds of adults.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with the person they see, based on similar interests, and they usually spend a few hours a week helping them out.

One major benefit of this type of care, according to Angie, is that citizen advocates actually want to help.

“They are involved in that person’s life completely because they choose to be there, and are not paid to be there,” she says.

“As well as offering support, they are a friend, though this is not a befriending service.

“The whole aim is that people get to self advocate in order to enhance their lives.”

Most people can become a citizen advocate, but Batias is looking for patient listeners, who have a drive to see other people treated fairly.

Potential volunteers are required to submit two references and are CRB checked.

“Citizen advocates can be very important to these people’s lives,” adds Angie.

“If you are living in the community and haven’t got anyone else around, they can be vital.”

Christine Graves is one such citizen advocate who donates a few weeks of her time, every other week.

The 64-year-old, from Shenfield, helps a woman in her forties, living in sheltered accommodation in Billericay, who has severe learning difficulties.

Although the woman can understand Christine, she cannot speak and is not fully mobile.

“I love spending time with her and we have built up a good relationship over the years,” says Christine.

“We pop down to Billericay High Street for a cup of tea, or go out for a walk.

“I think without my involvement, life would be more difficult for her.”

Christine, who has always volunteered in charitable projects, has been a citizen advocate for the past seven years.

For her, it is a noble cause and something she says people should consider.

“I’m quite lucky I haven’t got any problems, so I think you should help people who do,” she says.

“I would definitely recommend it to other people – it’s a rewarding job.”

For more information about becoming a citizen advocate, visit www.batias.com or call 01375 389869.


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