Who we are and what we do: Cathey's role as Advocare's Chief Executive
Having been my mother's full-time unpaid carer and sole advocate, I can identify with others who feel exploited by a system that appears to favour process over people. In my role as Chief Executive of Advocare - Caring for Carers I lead a small, dedicated team of carers and former carers whose guiding principle is to seek fairness for fellow-carers and their loved ones in the face of social injustice. Responsible for driving the Advocare Project forward, I head research and development and direct the expansion programme for our free, independent Caring for Carers service.
As the first point of contact for our Caring for Carers service I am the enquirer's initial listening ear, their adviser and counsellor. When appropriate I make home visits with one of my colleagues. After hearing the carer's story and thoroughly investigating their concerns, if necessary I write a report, submit it on their behalf to the relevant authorities and accompany the carer to meetings with service providers. I also chair our Advocarers group meetings, facilitate Assert, our carer-centred empowerment programme and run Advocare's After Care workshops.
The importance of a free voice for carers
Despite numerous national surveys, countless reviews and revised legislation, Advocare's research and casework shows that carers' needs still tend to be seen in purely practical terms and their 'invisible' - emotional and psychological - needs sidelined by policy-makers. With the benefit of my own and my team's unique insights and experience I can ensure that Advocare remains carer-centred and continues to provide a service tailored to their needs and relevant to their situation.
I feel strongly that society as a whole needs to ascribe more value to carers, both as individuals and for the work they do. Accordingly I am involved in developing initiatives that will enhance the status of unpaid carers and heighten awareness of their caregiving role, thereby giving them a free voice.