Advocacy
Derg Valley Advocacy Network (DVAN)
Cross-Border Advocacy and Support Service for People with Disabilities
Providing Advocacy in the Strabane District & Donegal Area
What does an advocate do?
An advocate 'speaks up for, or acts on behalf of another person.
Often the person is accessing services from a statutory, independent or third sector organisation and needs support to have their view heard.
Many people are not sure about their rights as citizens.
Some may have difficulty in fully understanding their rights, and the responsinbilities that always come with rights.
People may find it hard to speak up for themselves, not only because of physical difficulties;
often it is purely because they lack the confidence or the practice in standing up for themselves.
Advocacy can help people to:
Clarify their own wishes.
Express and present their views effectively and accurately.
Obtain independent advice and accurate information.
When you need some help, come and talk to the advocate at Derg Valley Care.
This person can help you.
Your advocate or helper CAN help you find information and give you time to think about choices.
Advocacy can support people to take responsibility and control for the decisions that affect their lives.
Will the advocate give me advice?
No, an advocate can help you express your own views.
An advocate does not give advice.
The advocate will refer you to someone who can advise you.
You can make an appointment to see the advocate
You can come in for an interview.
Tell the advocate what the issue is.
The advocate will
- Listen to YOU
- Help YOU speak up
- Help YOU understand
- Help YOU write letters
- Help YOU with phone calls
- Help YOU at meetings
- Believe what YOU say is important
You may need to make a big decision about your life.
An advocate can help you to get the information you need.
Understand your rights.
If you cannot speak up for yourself, an advocate can make sure other people know what your rights are and what you want.
An advocate does not make choices for you.
An advocate should always do what is best for you, not anyone else.
To make an appointment with the advocate, contact Damien Hunter at Derg Valley Advocacy Network.
Address: Derg Valley Advocacy Network
5-7 Parkview Road
Castlederg
County Tyrone
BT81 7BN
Tel: 028816 70764
Fax: 028816 79800
Email: damien@dergvalleycare.com
A project supported by the European Union's INTERREG IVA Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and delivered by Co-operation and Working Together's (CAWT) Community Awareness Programme
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Contact us
Derg Valley Care
5-7 Parkview Road
County Tyrone
Castlederg
BT81 7BN
Opening hours
Mon-Fri :
09:00 - 17:30