Purpose of role

A Citizen Advocate is a trained, volunteer who forms a long-term, one-to-one relationship with a person with learning disabilities to support them in having their voice heard, defending their rights, and accessing resources, to ensure their wishes and interests are met.

They help with decision-making, making complaints, accessing information, and overcoming barriers to social inclusion, ensuring that people with learning disabilities have a voice, are being listened to, and have the information that they need to make informed choices about their lives.  

Citizen Advocates support local people with learning disabilities who may not have access to services or need more support than local services can provide.  

This service is part of what our Asking You team does.

Duties/activities

Our Citizen Advocates aim to: 

  • Visit and contact their match regularly e.g. every month 
  • Build a positive one-to-one relationship 
  • Develop strong communication with their match and come to know their values, wishes and preferences 
  • Identify the client's choices and decisions, but not make or influence them 
  • Remain independent of services such as housing, care and support 
  • Remain independent of the client's family and friends 
  • Provide information, signpost and support to access appropriate services 
  • Support the client to speak up for themselves and promote independence 

Key skills/qualities a volunteer needs for this role

Advocacy skills are usually the life skills that we possess and use throughout our lives. There are no special qualifications required, and we provide all additional support and training.  

Requirements of role (checks and training)

We will provide all necessary training and support for volunteers to carry out and develop in their role. We also know volunteers will bring experiences, skills and knowledge that we, individually and as a team, will be able to learn from. The induction and training will include: 

  • Volunteer Induction Training (4 hrs)  
  • Introduction to Advocacy Training 
  • Two and a half days training in Effective Advocacy and Negotiation Skills. 
  • Safeguarding Adults and Children 
  • Lone Working 

For this role, we will also offer training on: 

  • Autism Awareness and Working with Autistic Adults (5 hrs) 
  • Autism Mentoring Training (5 hrs) 

All of the above is available on request if needed. 

After training and induction, you will continue to receive ongoing support and guidance and regular supervisions. 

Travel expenses are covered by the organisation. A lunch voucher is also provided when working in the office. If out at external venues, costs for food up to £5 will be reimbursed.

Time commitment required

The role is for 1-2 hours per week, but this may reduce over the course of the advocacy partnership. 

There are roles available across the Leeds area.  

Contact details

Sarah Smith, Volunteer Coordinator – Learning Disability Services

Volunteer role application

If you would like to become a Citizen Advocate with our Asking You team, please fill in our online Volunteer Enquiry form by clicking on the button below. Once complete, our Citizen Advocacy Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch within two weeks.