dorset

advocacy

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a learning disability?

 

A learning  disability is an impairment that exists from

birth or early childhood. It means that the person will not

be able to learn life skills as quickly or as fully as other people. Some people who have learning disabilities

Live independently without care or support, others may need a lot of help in order to live their lives. People who have physical disabilities as well as a significant learning disability are sometimes said to have ‘complex needs’.

 

Dorset Advocacy helps people across the range of learning disability. However, we are unable to help people with specific difficulties such as dyslexia.

 

How long does it take to get an advocate?

 

We will talk to you to find out if we can help. If we think that we can, and your problem is urgent, we will try to find an advocate as soon as possible (usually within a couple of weeks). If you need a long-term volunteer advocate you could wait longer, possibly several months , as we will need to match a suitable advocate to you.

 

How often will someone see their advocate?

 

This varies, but on average people see their advocate between once a fortnight and once a month.

 

How many people work for Dorset Advocacy?

 

Nineteen people work for Dorset Advocacy; five of them are people with learning disabilities

 

What training and support do Advocates receive?

 

All advocates receive an induction based on our Advocate Handbook. We also ask new volunteer advocates to go through our Advocacy Skills training course within a year of joining us. All volunteer advocates have a named member of staff to support them at Dorset Advocacy.