Call for CEOs, Directors and Managers of Advocacy Services to take part in a Listening Group SUPA (Speak UP for Advocacy Research Project)
Online: 25 February, 2025, 1 – 2pm.
In 2024 an article* investigating advocates was published as part of a research project by Bournemouth University on Recruitment and Retention in the Social Care Workforce. The publication was well received, and it was acknowledged that there was a gap in the provision in research into advocacy. The absence of a consistent body of research into advocacy has been informally recognised in the sector. Over the years, there have been calls for more beneficial research to be undertaken. The SUPA project has been set up in response to this, and initially, we would like to hold some listening groups to find out what the foremost issues are for the sector and how we can work together to ensure positive change. We want to invite CEOs, directors and managers of advocacy services to register to join the group on 25 February and to ensure that the sector’s voice and concerns are well represented. This is one of several groups we will talk to, involving both advocacy leaders and advocates working in hospital, care and community settings (two further groups will be held with advocates over March 2025). We would greatly value your input into the discussions and hope you will register to take part and make sure that the advocacy sector’s voice comes through prominently and clearly in the research undertaken. To register or for further details, please contact Helen Sloan: sloanh@bournemouth.ac.uk
*Andy Pulman, Helen Sloan & Lee-Ann Fenge (09 October 2024): Advocacy in Practice: Who Advocates for the Advocates? Practice, DOI: 10.1080/09503153.2024.2410851
Are you ready to shape the future?
If you’re involved in or commissioning:
- Learning disability and autism services
- Independent advocacy
- Older people’s services
- Social care
Then check out our Next Generation Leadership Programme. Closing date for applications, Monday 31 March 2025.
Next Generation explores:
- A detailed focus on leadership, personal style and achieving change.
- The leadership styles needed to deliver rights, choice and control within the current economic climate.
- Leading edge practice sessions on key policy priorities.
The programme is updated each year to be as relevant as possible to the leaders we work with. We’re now in our 15th year of tailoring the programme in line with the current climate and the needs of leaders.
Free webinar: Reducing Restrictive Practice in the Community
27 February 2025: 12-1pm, register your place here
Alexis Quinn (Restraint Reduction Network) joins Nic Crosby (NDTi) to talk about Restraint reduction and how the person-centred practice of Small Supports organisations and the focus on relationships provide a really strong blueprint for the long-term elimination of restrictive practice. Find out more here.
Empowering rights through the Mental Health Bill – NDTi
What does the Mental Health Bill mean for people with a learning disability, autistic people, community support and advocacy? Read our thoughts on the draft Bill.
Advocating with Gloriously Ordinary Lives
Advocates are invited to join a powerful programme that explores how to use ‘Gloriously Ordinary Lives’ within your advocacy practice. Gloriously Ordinary Lives is a nod to the type of lives that we all take for granted; being able to take your own bins out, having friends, having a key to your own front door, being supported by people who like and enjoy your company (not just paid to be there). This five-week programme (online every Thursday afternoon) will show you how to use the five tests which examine decisions, choices and options available to the person.
There is still an opportunity to join the programme, starting Thursday, 6 February, at 1.30pm. To book online… https://www.blackbeltadvocacy.com/shop