‘Advocacy week’ to empower people

FAMILIES, carers, and friends of those with intellectual disabilities must stand back more and let them make some of their own choices, in line with their needs, wishes and views, a support group has urged.

The group is organising a week-long programme of events, to highlight significant changes in the way services are delivered to people with intellectual disabilities in Waterford and South Tipperary, later this month. And families are urged to attend.

The Brothers of Charity Services in the South East, with head-quarters at Belmont Park, Waterford, is hosting Advocacy Awareness Week from October 20 to 24.

"Advocacy is based on a belief in commitment to equality, respect, rights, information, and choice," said Cabrini de Barra, training officer for Advocacy and Evaluation, Brothers of Charity Services.

"In the past, family, friends, parents, staff, and others saw themselves as experts in relation to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Now this is changing, so that we all listen and respond to what people are saying about their own choices, needs, wishes and views.

"Advocacy is about people speaking up for themselves and others," she said.

"It is about respecting and supporting the rights of all people to make choices and decisions in regard to their own lives."

During advocacy week the programme of events will include advocacy awareness open days at various Waterford and Tipperary venues. The events will be hosted by eight self-advocacy groups in the Brothers of Charity Services.

A highlight of the week on Wednesday (Oct 22) will be an Advocacy awareness celebration evening, which is taking place at the Forum Theatre and will be open to all.

Forum theatre presentations, by the Belmont Park Drama Group in conjunction with Waterford Youth Drama, will also take place throughout the day on Wednesday (Oct 22) in the Training Centre at Belmont Park.

A poster painting competition with the theme "Advocacy Rights and Choices", is also planned.

"The events of Advocacy Awareness Week are open to all interested people, especially those who are friends or relatives of people who use services," said Ms de Barra.

Further information contact Cabrini de Barra at Brothers of Charity Services, Belmont Park, Waterford: 051 832211 Ext: 2308.