Speakeasy Advocacy

Giving a voice and support to people with a learning disability, autistic spectrum and/or Asperger’s syndrome

There has been advocacy in Basingstoke for people with learning disabilities since 1994 – some of the original users of the service and volunteers are still involved with us today.

Speakeasy Advocacy has existed since May 2002, when it took over responsibility for advocacy for people with learning disabilities and autism from a scheme that had previously been supported by Hampshire Autistic Society.

The project re launched in August 2003 when we received a 3 year grant from the lottery. We have continued to grow since then, and our volunteers and staff team now support over 400 people every year. We receive funding from the Hampshire Learning Disability Partnership Board, a number of grant making trusts, plus some contracts with Hampshire County Council and local service providers.

Some of the things we do include:

• Short term and long term 1:1 advocacy support from staff team and/or volunteers
• Specialist advocacy support for parents with a learning disability
• 3 in house self advocacy groups for adults (including 1 for people with Asperger’s syndrome)
• 2 self advocacy projects based in the community, in partnership with the local day services
• Specialist project for families affected by autism, including a self advocacy group for 11-16s with Asperger’s syndrome funded by Children in Need 
• Supported employment project with a local service provider, supporting 2 people with a learning disability to be part of the management team

Friday Network Group	Speakeasy’s office in Basingstoke