In the case of ABI, it is not always about people representing other people, but about people
representing themselves. The aim of advocacy is to bring about beneficial outcomes in a way that
enables each consume and carer or group to retain as much control as possible over how it is carried
out. The resultant expectation of consumer and carer advocacy is individual and group empowerment.
Peer advocacy has a good deal in common with self-advocacy – both insist on the autonomy of the
individual and the benefits of self-reliance. Both are inspired by the self-help and advocacy movements
for mental health which began about 30 years ago. Because the focus of this program is to teach people
to advocate for themselves, we do not advocate directly for people. Rather we help people advocate for themselves. Therefore if an individual member has a specific issue that requires more detailed assistance,
they will be referred to the individual advocacy program. We notify the Individual Advocate that a self-advocacy group member will be calling for an intake appointment.
Peer advocacy is support from someone with experience of using ABI services. Peer advocates can draw
on their own experiences to understand and empathise with the person they are working with. Working
with a peer advocate makes it easier for advocate and user to have an equal relationship. Headwest’s
peer advocate volunteers and peer advocacy programs are facilitated by trained professionals.
Self-advocacy is about speaking up for yourself and making your views and wishes clear. This can be
very difficult to do at times, and there are skills and tools that can support self-advocacy. Self-advocacy
groups are groups of people who support each other in developing and using self-advocacy skills. Many people see self-advocacy as the ultimate aim of other forms of advocacy work (Kelley, 2006).
Our services in this program are currently being redeveloped and restructured. More information can be
found in New Initiatives.