Volunteer Advocacy Coach - Be Heard for Autistic Adults

When asked: Why do you like building a relationship with people? Our Volunteer Advocacy Coach said...

"Every single person is different and unique. The opportunity to build a relationship with someone who may be socially isolated is invaluable. When we establish a human connection which is based on mutual trust, confidence, respect and understanding, then we are more likely to inspire confidence in others and encourage them to open up to us." Volunteer Advocacy Coach

Be Heard for Autistic Adults

Be Heard for Autistic Adults is a pilot project providing Self-Advocacy for individuals with a recent autism diagnosis from Somerset Autism Spectrum Service (SASS) including those who do not qualify for social care support. Those accessing the project will need assistance with various aspects of their lives and a Volunteer Advocacy Coach will be matched with the individuals’ requirements.

The aim of this pilot is to empower autistic people with the tools and resources to give them confidence in achieving their goals, initially with the volunteer’s support and independently in the future. The key objective of this role is to support individuals to have a meaningful and worthwhile experience whilst gaining skills, knowledge, and confidence, to live life to their full potential, by enabling participation and inclusion.

Advocacy Coaches ensure outcomes and impact data of self-advocacy coaching and programmes captured, monitored, and used to develop services and adapt the Self-Advocacy Toolkit accordingly.

What is an Advocacy Coach?

The role of an Advocacy Coach is to support autistic people to develop skills and confidence to navigate the issues that they may be facing as an autistic person. Advocacy Coaches will provide 1:1 advocacy coaching to clients and support them with both practical and social aspects of their lives. This ensures that the autistic person has greater choice and control over their lives, both now and in the future.

Advocacy Coaches will help the person prioritise what’s important post diagnosis, provide options, support choice, and make plans for action using an individualised action plan.

Advocacy Coaches will also facilitate peer groups where ideas will be shared, and self-advocacy coaching provided to a group of autistic individuals.

Benefits of Volunteering with SWAN

• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills and gain experience volunteering in a charity
• The opportunity to meet new people
• The opportunity to build a Personal Development Portfolio with full training and ongoing access to keep knowledge and skills up to date
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed – mileage £0.45 per mile, Bike £0.20 per mile plus parking tickets, bus and train fares etc
• Support to progress to paid employment
• The satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to the work of SWAN
• The satisfaction of empowering autistic people to find their own voice and tell others what they want or need
• Being part of an organisation, which has strong values and provides help and support to those most marginalised in society
• The opportunity to see the person progress
• To be part of a pilot study that will hopefully shape provision for autistic people in the future
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What type of person are we looking for?

• Someone with lived experience - you will either be an autistic person or have experience working with, or supporting, autistic people
• Positive attitude towards autistic people who may have a variety of complex needs
• Someone with around 3- 6 hours per week to spare, either during the day, evening or at the weekend
• Confident to communicate both verbal and written information
• Committed to enabling people to take control of their lives
• Some experience of record keeping and report writing
• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding is desirable but full training is given
• IT literate
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Please note that while the skills and knowledge listed are good to have, SWAN also appreciates that life experience can make you the ideal volunteer for a role such as this. We are keen to hear from people who have an autism diagnosis and would like to help empower others in the same position. If this sounds like you then do, please get in touch.

Equality and Diversity Statement

Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to SWAN’s values. It is important that our workforce reflects the diverse communities in which we work. We therefore welcome applications from people who represent the diversity of the people we advocate for and the communities we work in.

Application process only. Please request and complete a Volunteer Application form to be considered for this role. If you require any assistance with completing the application please get in touch.