Following the success of previous training sessions, South West Advocacy Network’s (SWAN) are now providing free self-advocacy training sessions virtually, allowing trainees to attend from the comfort of their own home or office.
The Be Heard programme is designed to help people stand up for their rights and resolve issues that they are facing by teaching them how to advocate for themselves.
Self-advocacy means standing up for your own rights and ensuring that your voice is heard. Many people find this difficult especially when dealing with various professionals, such as NHS or council workers.
SWAN provides Be Heard sessions each month, except August & December. The first virtual session will be held on Friday 31st January 2025 from 09:00 to 12:00 via Microsoft Teams. The session will last 3 hours and will include the following:
- Self-Advocacy Toolkits
- Group self-advocacy training with your peers – an interactive course
- One-to-one self-advocacy training and coaching
Advocates will also be present to discuss how to approach any issues attendees are facing and to support them when advocating by themselves. The sessions and resources provided are completely free of charge. The sessions are fully accessible.
For those who would prefer to attend the training in person, the next in-person session will be held on Thursday 27th February 2025 from 13:00 to 16:00 at The Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QR. There is free parking available at the centre.
If you are interested in attending a Be Heard session, contact SWAN to book your space on 03333 447928 or at [email protected]. Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
If you are unable to make either of these dates but would still like to attend the training, let us know and we can book you on a later date.
SWAN is commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council to provide several independent services on the Isle of Wight including Health Complaints Advocacy, Care Act Advocacy, Mental Health Advocacy and Mental Capacity Advocacy.
If you would like to know more about the service the Isle of Wight team provide, visit: https://swanadvocacy.org.uk/iow/
So these courses are free, but who is actually paying for it, the taxpayer.
So the taxpayer who works, is paying for the so called “mentally ill” to have free courses to help them claim all the benefits under the sun. Oh my god, am I being far right again, well slap me down. I will expect Starmers Stormtroopers to be banging on my door, when he finally destroys this country in favour of certain minority (or not so minority voters)