Can we help you?
The coordination team finds people with intellectual disabilities in the community who have limited or no natural or social supports. Alternatively, we take self-referrals and referrals from family members and support people. Our team carefully matches people with intellectual disabilities with volunteer advocates who share their interests and can provide meaningful support. We also work to connect people with their local communities and empower them to make their own choices.
Ways a citizen advocate can provide support:
- Becoming a friend and confidante
- Assisting a person identify and reach their goals
- Connecting people to their local community
- Encouraging people to speak up about any concerns
- Empowering people to make their own decisions
How Advocacy Can Help
An advocate can provide information, help individuals explore their options and work through issues, and make informed decisions. Through citizen advocacy, we assist individuals to:
- Understand and exercise their rights
- Self-advocate, wherever possible
- Identify and address situations of violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Make a complaint
- Access disability supports and resources, WINZ, and other government services
- Find and use community services, including legal services
- Request extra support (such as reasonable adjustments) at school, tertiary training, or work
Additional Support
While our primary focus is on long-term matches, we also recognize the need for more immediate support. In certain situations, we can offer:
- Short-term advocacy: For individuals facing temporary challenges or needing assistance with specific issues.
- Crisis advocacy: In situations where urgent support is required.
- Information and guidance: For families/whānau of people with intellectual disabilities seeking support or navigating challenges.
We are committed to providing a range of support options to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families/whānau of people with intellectual disabilities within our community.
If you believe you or someone you know may benefit from Citizen Advocacy, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information or fill in this form below and our coordinator will get in touch.
