As Advocacy Awareness Week unfolded from 14th to 18th October 2024, we at MHM Wales were excited to engage with our community and highlight the critical impact advocacy has on the lives of individuals across Wales. This year’s theme, Advocacy Works, was developed by the National Development Team for Inclusion, and as an organisation proudly holding the Quality Performance Mark (QPM) for Advocacy, we’re excited to be part of this important movement.
Our week was packed with activities that brought advocacy to the forefront and connected us with hundreds of people, both online and in person.
Polls Sparking Conversations
Throughout the week, we posted a series of polls on LinkedIn and Twitter to better understand how accessible advocacy services are in Wales. The polls sparked great discussions and helped us gain valuable insights from our followers. Here’s a breakdown of the poll results:
Poll 1: How familiar are you with advocacy services in Wales?
50% of respondents were somewhat familiar with advocacy services.
33% said they were very familiar.
17% admitted they hadn’t heard of them at all.
This shows that while a majority have some level of familiarity, a significant portion still needs awareness of advocacy services.
Poll 2: How accessible do you think advocacy services are in Wales?
40% of respondents found advocacy services somewhat easy to access.
30% found them difficult to access.
20% felt they were easy to access.
10% noted that they did not know where to start when looking for advocacy services.
These results point to a mix of experiences, indicating that while some find services accessible, others face barriers that need to be addressed.
Poll 3: In your experience, how easy was it to access advocacy services in Wales?
50% of respondents said it was somewhat easy.
25% found it easy
15% found it very difficult.
10% had never used advocacy services
The feedback highlights that although some people have positive experiences, there are clear gaps that must be filled to ensure advocacy services are equally accessible to everyone in Wales.
Out and About: Swansea Museum Engagement
The highlight of our in-person activities during the week was our stand at Swansea Museum. Our team was eager to meet people, provide information about our advocacy services, and answer any questions. It was an incredibly busy day, with over 178 individuals stopping by to chat with us! We even had to return to the office for additional resources—what a fantastic turnout!
This event showed us just how much interest and need there is for advocacy support in our local communities. We were delighted to offer advice, guidance, and resources to so many, further strengthening our connections with key stakeholders and the public.
Advocacy and Well-being: A Lifeline for Many
Advocacy plays such an essential role in empowering individuals to have their voices heard, particularly when it comes to accessing the services and support they need. Whether it's through assisting with care decisions, ensuring fair treatment, or offering guidance, advocacy makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Moreover, the connection between advocacy and well-being cannot be overstated. When individuals feel heard, respected, and supported, their mental well-being improves significantly. At MHM Wales, we are committed to ensuring that advocacy is accessible to all who need it because we believe that everyone deserves a voice, especially in moments of vulnerability.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy Awareness Day
Our advocacy team is already planning the next big step—a dedicated Advocacy Awareness Day at the Union Offices. This event will bring together internal and external stakeholders, offering advice, guidance, and a platform to discuss how we can continue to improve access to advocacy services. It’s set to be a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen our partnerships and ensure that everyone who needs support knows where to turn.
A Big Thank You!
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our Advocacy team. Your hard work, passion, and dedication have helped us make a real difference during Advocacy Awareness Week and beyond. Thank you for your continued efforts in ensuring that every voice is heard and that everyone has access to the advocacy services they need.
Stay Connected with Us!
If you want to stay up to date with our latest news, events, and initiatives, don’t forget to follow us on social media! By following us, you’ll be the first to know about our ongoing work to support mental health and advocacy services across Wales. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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