I met Julia whilst working as a care assistant at her home, gradually building up a good working relationship. Julia challenges the system, sometimes hits others and has no verbal communication.

I eventually left the home to develop my skills and re-introduced myself to Julia as a friend some time after. I was looking to help her use Makaton sign language, with the hope this may give her more choice, a greater quality of life and potentially reduce her need to challenge the system.

I initially visited weekly to build trust and confidence, always brought communication “work” to do and offered a reward such as going out for a meat or a drink after. Her progress gave me an immense sense of satisfaction and I was looking to involve other staff from the home whilst gradually reducing my input to a more manageable once a month. Unfortunately Julia became quite unwell, requiring a stay in hospital. It was during this time I became aware of the limitations of our relationship. As a friend I had no right to be informed by the home or the hospital and Julia was clearly not able to communicate such a request herself. I approached Dorset Advocacy and was made to feet valued immediately and I have now been Julia’s advocate for about 2 years. In that time Julia has become more diverse in her communication and has asked to go on holiday, to have contact with her parents and much more. Becoming her advocate has changed things for me. I have been able to benefit from meeting other advocates, have access to courses and support and advice from Dorset Advocacy when I needed. Julia and I have further benefited by being included in person centred planning meetings, enabling me to give a very different perspective of Julia’s capabilities and aspirations. At present Julia’s social worker is looking to find a more suitable home to meet her needs. I have been included in the assessment process and the placing authority is looking to find a home in commuting distance to myself, ensuring we can continue our relationship.

Along the way I have encounters a variety of difficulties and ethical dilemmas, the support received from Dorset Advocacy was excellent and took away some of the frustration encountered when dealing with systems rather than people. I have benefited personally and professionally and like to think Julia feels she has profited equally. I would highly recommend getting involved in advocacy to anyone who is willing to commit some regular time and is looking for personal/professional development, the reward for such commitment is evident in the everyday changes in peoples lives.

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