FAQs: Advocacy Questions

At ECS we get asked lots of questions about what we do, why we do it and how we help communities and other groups. This page deals with the area of Advocacy.

Question. What are the 3 types of advocacy?

Answer.

There are three basic types of advocacy. Self advocacy refers to an individuals ability to represent themselves. They have to be able to communicate effectively though. Individual advocacy is where another party, be it a person or a group concentrates on helping just one or two individuals. Systems advocacy is the type of action that changes policies, laws or the rules that impact the way people live their lives.

Question. What are the 5 principles of advocacy?

Answer.

Advocacy promotes equality, social justice, social inclusion and human rights. To meet the principles behind Advocacy, any project should meet the needs of diverse local populations, ensuring that all have a voice, basically making sure that people are put first. To do this the principles of independence, clarity of purpose, confidentiality, safeguarding and empowerment must be adhered too.

Question. What does advocacy mean?

Answer.

Advocacy is the activity carried out by an individual or group with the aim to influence and change the decisions made by political, economic, and social institutions. The independent advocacy service offered by ECS enable us to support people who need help to speak up and make their voices count in order to obtain positive outcomes that help shape their health and social care services.

Question. What does health advocacy mean?

Answer.

A health advocate is a family member, friend, trusted co-worker, or a hired professional who can ask the right questions, record relevant information, and then speak up for you so you can better understand your illness and treatment. This helps ensure you get the care and resources you need. On a wider scale, health advocacy can promote the 'voice' of an entire community, by listening to their problems and needs.

Question. What is an advocacy action plan?

Answer.

An advocacy plan needs to cover the elements of goals and objectives, target groups and most importantly the specific actions that must be carried out. Those responsible for each element must be selected and their role laid out so that it cannot be misunderstood. Setting these stakeholder roles and responsibilities, with associated time frames is essential, as is laying down any expected short-term and long-term outcomes. All available and needed resources also need to be carefully documented. ECS can assist with all of this essential planning.

Question. What is an advocate NHS?

Answer.

Some people find it difficult to understand the care and support they are getting from the NHS, or find it hard speak up for themselves. Advocates are people, or organisations, who act as a spokesperson for those in this group. They make sure they are heard and get the best possible care. Advocates also work for entire communities or groups of often underprivileged members of the public.

Question. What is facilitated advocacy?

Answer.

Facilitated advocacy is the method by which development initiatives are employed to ensure that people in diverse cultural, economic, educational, professional, societal and linguistic spheres can engage with the rest of society and those public bodies that provide services on a more equitable basis.

Question. What is the example of advocacy?

Answer.

Advocacy is the process by which one party, be it a person, or an organisation like ECS, speaks on behalf of or in support of another person, or group. A good example of advocacy is where an organisation seeks to ascertain the needs of a community and then empowers it so that positive outcomes are achieved in areas such as health and social care services.

Question. What is the role of a advocate?

Answer.

The role of an advocate is to provide independent support to those people or communities who feel they are not being heard. Ensuring that their complaints and point of view are taken seriously and that their rights are respected. The important thing to note is than an advocate does not represent their own views, but amplifies that of the people they are supporting.

Question. What is the role of patient advocate?

Answer.

A patient advocate assists patients communicate with their healthcare providers in order that they get the information they need to make decisions about their health care. Advocates may also assist in ensuring that the correct health care is provided to a social group, by ensuring that their needs are fully understood and are made known to the appropriate public bodies.

Question. What is the value of advocacy in global health?

Answer.

There are many problems with global health, and it's not enough to just invent and implement solutions, as these are unlikely to be carried out in full unless the support of global decision-makers is obtained. This is one of the main roles of advocacy, to make sure that the health needs of all people and communities are met.

Question. When would you need to involve an advocate?

Answer.

Sometimes disagreements occur between patients and the health or social care professional providing their treatment. In this instance an independent advocate can be helpful to mediate and to better prepare the patients case. Independent advocates always represent your wishes without judging or giving any personal opinions.

Question. Why do we need advocacy?

Answer.

Advocacy seeks to ensure that all people in a community or societal group have the ability to have their voice heard on issues that are important to them. The advocate is there to protect and promote their rights, so that their views and wishes are genuinely considered when decisions are being made about their lives and the services they are provided with.

Question. Why is healthcare advocacy important?

Answer.

NHS patients can often be confused by the complex medical system that provides their care. Advocates can help patients make informed decisions regarding their health, translating medical terms and helping patients make the best decisions. Advocates can also act for groups or communities to ensure that their voices are heard and that they too are provided with the necessary information, as well as assistance, so that their needs are met.

Question. What makes a good advocate?

Answer.

A good advocate is not afraid to ask the difficult or uncomfortable questions. However, they should also seek to build consensus and to lead by example. They also need to be able to ask the right questions and to be able to listen to the answers, whilst not adding their own slant or opinions. They must also be able to give honest feedback and criticism as appropriate to the situation.