Contact Us
Our Office Hours
Our Programme Coordinator is available:
Monday & Tuesday – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday – 9:00am to 1:00pm
Getting in Touch
Feel free to call, text, or email during these hours. If you contact us outside of these times, that’s totally fine — our coordinator will aim to respond the following week when they’re back in the office.
We appreciate your patience — we’re a small team, but we care deeply and will get back to you as soon as we can
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question title to read the answer.
What is Citizen Advocacy?
Citizen Advocacy is a community-based program that connects individuals with intellectual disabilities to volunteer advocates. These advocates offer long-term, one-on-one support, fostering relationships that promote inclusion, respect, and empowerment. The aim is to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities have someone to stand by them, helping them navigate life's challenges and opportunities.
Who can be referred to Citizen Advocacy Auckland?
Our services are specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities who may be at risk of social isolation or marginalization. We focus on supporting those who:
- Have a diagnosed intellectual disability.
- Experience limited social connections or support networks.
- Are at risk of being overlooked or excluded from community participation.
If you're unsure whether someone qualifies, please contact us to discuss their situation.
What defines an intellectual disability?
An intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, originating before the age of 18. This includes challenges in areas such as:
- Learning and problem-solving.
- Communication and social interaction.
- Daily living skills like managing finances, personal care, and navigating the community.
It's important to distinguish intellectual disabilities from other conditions like mental health disorders, learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia), or acquired brain injuries, which may not fall under our program's scope.
How does the referral process work?
Referring someone to our program involves the following steps:
- Initial Contact: Reach out to us via phone, text, or email during our office hours.
- Discussion: We'll have a conversation to understand the individual's needs and determine eligibility.
- Assessment: Our team will assess the situation to ensure our program is the right fit.
- Matching: If eligible, we'll begin the process of finding a suitable advocate match, considering factors like interests, location, and personality.
What if someone doesn’t meet the criteria?
We understand that many individuals seek advocacy support. If someone doesn't align with our program's focus on intellectual disabilities, we'll do our best to guide them toward appropriate resources or organizations better suited to their needs. Our commitment is to ensure everyone finds the support they require, even if it's outside our direct services.
How can I get involved as an advocate?
Becoming an advocate is a meaningful way to make a difference in someone's life. Advocates come from all walks of life and don't need specific qualifications—just a genuine desire to support and connect with another person. If you're interested, please visit our Volunteer With Us page or contact us directly to learn more about the process and upcoming orientation sessions.
Other questions?
If you have further questions or need more information, don't hesitate to reach out during our office hours. We're here to help and provide the support you need.
