Leeds Advocacy is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation set up in 1989 primarily to train and provide Volunteer citizen advocates for people with learning disabilities living in Leeds.citizen advocates Since then, we have become one of the longest- established advocacy organisations in the UK; offering a range of advocacy services to one of the most marginalised groups in our Community.

From the start, volunteers and people with learning disabilities have been at the centre of what we do: Leading the work- as committee members Doing the work- As advocates, paid workers Promoting the work- at events, campaigning

Why ADVOCACY? Advocacy is a powerful way of standing up for and supporting a person or group and taking their side when they are in danger of being pushed to the margins of society. It empowers both Advocate and Partner and is a process of working towards natural justice which strengthens communities.

Our aim is to empower people with learning disabilities who live in Leeds by providing them with a suitable independent advocacy service. We believe that Advocacy can help people: state their case, influence decisions which affect them, obtain better services, and be treated more equally. It can also, protect people from abuse and neglect, redress the balance of power and help them exercise their rights and entitlements.

Why people with learning disabilities?

Longevity, including avoiding premature mortality. Physical security, including freedom from violence and physical and sexual abuse. Health, including both well-being and access to high quality healthcare. Education, including both being able to be creative, to acquire skills and qualifications and having access to training and life-long learning. Standard of living, including being able to live with independence and security; and covering nutrition, clothing, housing, warmth, utilities, social services and transport. Productive and valued activities, such as access to employment, a positive experience in the workplace, work/life balance, and being able to care for others. Individual, family and social life, including self-development, having independence and equality in relationships and marriage. Participation, influence and voice, including participation in decision-making and democratic life. Identity, expression and self-respect, including freedom of belief and religion. Legal security, including equality and non-discrimination before the law and equal treatment within the criminal justice system. In February 2007 the Equalities Review, commissioned by the Prime Minister, published its report. It suggested an Equality Scorecard, to be used in assessing equality for all people. The scorecard contains ten dimensions of equality, as follows: Adults with learning disabilities fall short of equality with all other sections of the UK population, on every single one of these dimensions!

Feeling Independent Being listened to Making decisions Taking control Community presence Making friends Learning Having a job Our vision is of a world in which everyone with a learning disability has an equal right to choice, opportunity and respect, with the support they need. We believe that barriers to participation should be removed to enable all people to make meaningful choices and enjoy real opportunities to live their lives as they want to. Making choices Having a family

person not the impairment We think that everybody should see the person not the impairment "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead "Recognizing and respecting differences in others, and treating everyone like you want them to treat you, will help make our world a better place for everyone. Care... be your best. You don't have to be disabled to be different. Everyone is different!" - Kim Peek, inspiration for Rain Main. We think that everybody is different, and can make a difference