South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) is an independent advocacy charity working across the South West of England. We deliver high-quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people in our communities.
We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most vulnerable members of our communities, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgmental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our communities, helping them to have their voices heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
Advocacy Services
Self advocacy
SWAN’s Social Value Be Heard projects are aimed at providing tools and resources to individuals to give them the confidence and skills to self-advocate. Our programmes are co-designed and delivered with Peer Advocacy Coaches who are Experts by Experience. This ensures that our programmes are targeted appropriately for the audience and cover issues relevant to them.
Self-Advocacy is being able to speak up for yourself and tell people what you want and need. People who can self-advocate can make their own complaints and be part of decision making.
SWAN believes that with the right tools and resources anyone can learn to be their own advocate.
SWAN’s Be Heard projects aim to increase an individual’s confidence and ability to speak up by providing them with these tools and resources.
Find out more here.
Statutory Advocacy
In some cases you have the legal right to an advocate, this is called Statutory Advocacy. In England and Wales there are four different types of Statutory Advocacy which we have explained here, along with generic (sometimes called ‘community’) advocacy.