Listen – Making Advocacy Accessible

Making advocacy accessible. Accessibility is one of the standards incorporated into the Advocacy Charter, but there are so many barriers to the use of advocacy services. These include the following:

Knowledge – it is often assumed that the information/knowledge of a service or provision is readily available. However, for many service users the information regarding availability and entitlement is not known.

Geographic – Regional variation of service provision means that there is a lack of consistency across the country. This impacts on service users’ ability to understand the level of service provision available to them.

Physical – Disabilities can be a barrier within themselves, as many services are not geared up for the needs of this group.

Psychological – This can include previous experiences, perceptions and opinions held by both the service provider and the client. Where these are negative they can form a barrier.

Language – Although we live in a multi-cultural society, language often poses difficulties in everyday service provision, even where there are the services of a translator. In the absence of such service, people are expected to just ‘muddle on’, and do the best that they can. The reality is that the client leaves without a thorough understanding.

Formalities – The formal nature of British society often impedes and intimidates many service users e.g. completing lengthy forms, attending court

Finances – The limited resources of some clients mean that they may not have the necessary finances to get to the service provider or pay for the service. Alternatively, they may not be aware that they are entitled to a particular service for free.

Time – Some clients will simply not have the time or opportunities to spend time visiting advocacy services or speaking for lengthy periods on the phone.

Lack of resources – Advocacy services may be underfunded and unable to cope with demand. Their staff may be working part-time covering large geographical areas.

Next, we will look at the strategies that will be used by advocates to over some of these barriers.


最終更新日時: 2020年 03月 5日(木曜日) 14:33