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Advocacy: listening and making sure others listen too

About HARG

HARG has changed and developed greatly in recent years – here you can find out a bit more about who we are and our history.

The core HARG members are:

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We have a central staff team to support the work of HARG, and you can find out more about them on the Meet the team page.

HARG's ongoing success is due largely to the excellent people working with us – read more about the board of trustees and staff team who make up this unique structure and how we work towards a common purpose.

HARG 2011 ADVOCACY STANDARDS
What you tell us is private. You will know this because:
  • if we need to keep records we keep them in a safe place
  • we believe information about you belongs to you
  • we do not tell anyone what you say to us, unless you want us to but if you tell us someone might be hurt, we may not be able to keep that private
We work in ways that keep you safe. You will know this because:
  • we choose our advocates carefully
  • we check that all our advocates are safe to work with you
  • advocates receive full training and support
  • advocates follow policies to protect people from abuse
  • the advocacy scheme is fully insured
You decide if you want an advocate and what you want them to do. You will know this because:
  • we support you to speak up
  • we speak for you if that is what you want
  • we work with you as long as you want us to
  • we spend time finding out what you want
  • you can change your advocate
We protect your rights. We make sure that you are involved in the decisions that affect your life. You will know this because:
  • we tell you about your rights
  • we help you to get your rights
  • we support you to make your choices known
  • we help you make links into your local community if you want to
We explain what we do and how we work. You will know this because:
  • we have policies that explain how we work
  • all advocates agree to work to these standards and rules
  • you can complain if you are not happy about our work
  • if we do something wrong we say we are sorry
We only work for you. We are independent of others in your life. You will know this because:
  • we are on your side ..... regardless of what others say and do
We value and respect you without judging you. You will know this because:
  • we listen to you
  • we work at your pace
  • we agree to meet with you where you feel comfortable
  • we make sure you know what is happening
  • we communicate with you in ways you prefer
We report on our work and how we spend the money we get for advocacy. You will know this because:

every year we write a report which talks about our work and explains how we have spent the money

The advocacy spectrum is becoming very varied now, and HARG has responded by developing and delivering many different advocacy forms. So just what is advocacy and what different advocacy types does HARG support?

In an effort to support as many potentially vulnerable people and groups as possible, the advocacy world has grown and is becoming ever more diverse; and today there are many different types of services provided under the advocacy banner. At HARG, we strive to deliver effectively a broad range of these services.