Self-Advocacy in Action has been running for 25 years. They are an independent and user-led organisation run by and for people with learning disabilities and difficulties. Self-Advocacy in Action’s management committee is made up entirely of people with learning disabilities and difficulties. The group is supported with some of their work but make all of their own decisions.
Self-Advocacy in Action work with other people with learning disabilities, helping them to speak up about things that matter in their lives. They do this in many different ways and this had included running a number of groups, self-advocacy sessions and activities. The organisation strives to look at the best way they can support people according to their needs.
The group was awarded £2,300 from Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation’s Leicestershire Fund.
The funding was used to promote and run a number of the Self-Advocacy in Action groups.
The self-advocacy group allowed people with learning disabilities who have little to no personal budget to access a service. The service enabled people with learning disabilities to have a voice and more control in their lives. The members discussed issues affecting people with learning disabilities and developed skills to address issues in their own lives.
The members were also helped to develop their independent skills through travel training to enable them to access their local amenities such as libraries, shops and leisure centres and to be involved in their local communities.
Kiera Cornish, group supporter said, ‘The funding was important as it allowed people with learning disabilities who have a small personal budget or no personal budget to access a much needed service. Without this people would be more vulnerable. The self-advocacy group enables people with learning disabilities to have a voice and control in their lives and speak up about things that matter to them.’
If you would like to set up your own fund that works to support charities and groups in the local community, contact Katy Green, Chief Executive at Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation: katy.green@llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk & 0116 2624 916.
