The Advocare Project
The Advocare Steering Group was formed in 1999 and was constituted two years later as a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering unpaid adult carers. Published research shows that carers tend to prefer to be supported by someone who has also been a carer. This backed up the group's collective caring experience. It was therefore determined at the outset that Advocare should be operated by carers for carers. In order that the 'invisible' needs of unpaid caregivers may become better recognised and understood it was also determined that Advocare should enable them to have a free voice by:
- protecting carers and former carers from 'backlash'
- remaining financially independent and
- maintaining Advocare's integrity
Advocare's vision: To enhance the status of carers
Advocare's vision is to enhance the status of the caregiving role and thereby improve the 'lot' of carers. We believe carers deserve adequate financial resources, regular respite and reliable domiciliary support for the valuable work they do. We also believe that until carers have a free voice many vulnerable people will remain at risk.
Advocare's mission: To reach carers before they reach crisis point
Our Caring for Carers service supports and empowers carers but generally they contact Advocare or are referred to us as a last resort. In its mission to head off crisis and prevent the unwanted or premature institutionalisation of vulnerable people Advocare is endeavouring to reach carers before they reach crisis point. We are working to make Advocare's Caring for Carers service available routinely on a national basis, to set up a 24 hour helpline and have Advocare cafès (drop-in centres with 'quiet' rooms) in every district.
Advocare's strategy: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790)
The carer of a vulnerable person often carries greater responsibility and a heavier care burden as their sole advocate yet our casework shows their voice tends to go unheard and unheeded by the establishment. Advocare's strategy is to support and empower carers and enable them to speak freely about:
- sub-standard care;
- institutional maltreatment of their loved ones including over-use of drugs;
- the unmet 'invisible' needs of vulnerable people.
We believe a sea-change is needed for carers to enable them to deal more effectively with an unbending bureaucracy that focuses on process rather than the people it is supposed to serve. We are currently formulating a framework for a unifying 'rapid response' strategy, Advocare's Charter for Carers, that will enable concerned or distressed carers to obtain swift, common-sense solutions to their problems.
Speak Up! Don't suffer in silence!
If you feel your role should be ascribed greater respect and significance and you would like to tell us about your caring experiences please ring our Caring for Carers line (01202) 737592. You could help to bring about a sea-change for carers.