In a nut shell, advocacy seeks to ensure that people are able to have their voice heard, their views and wishes considered, and their rights defended and safeguarded, when decisions are being made about their lives. The training will help attendees be advocates for those people.

Screenshot from SEAP.org.uk. 

Twelve people are currently completing the training including representatives from four local charities – Health Connections, Guernsey Mind, Guernsey Disability Alliance and Carers Guernsey – as well as Health and Social Care staff.

It covers a range of topics including the principles of advocacy, the role of the advocate, communication methods and understanding issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. The training is being delivered by Kayleigh Baddeley, a Health and Social Care Programme Leader at the College, and has been funded by a private trust, whose trustees wish to remain anonymous.

The idea of running this course came initially from Bella Farrell, CEO of Health Connections. She said: "Health Connections was delighted to instigate the first Advocacy course offered by the Guernsey College of Further Education. Health Connections’ mission is to ensure that all people in the Bailiwick are connected to support and information that enables them to live a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life. I invited other charities to attend the course to encourage us all to work together.

"I am very grateful for the course funding which came from a private trust, whose trustees recognised the value of advocacy in the community."

CofFE Faculty Director Lorraine Barker added: “I am delighted that we had such a good take up for this course. There is an incredible number of people who give up their time to support a wide range of charities in Guernsey. This area of training will help develop key skills and knowledge and I hope that we can extend it to many other charitable organisations in the future.”