Two hours per week is all they ask to support a vulnerable adult with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Action for M.E.’s UK-wide advocacy service, is expanding in Scotland and supports adults with M.E./CFS to understand their rights, make informed choices, and have their views and wishes heard and respected, dealing with issues including health, social care, housing & employment. You’ll work entirely online/by phone to meet and represent clients, agree an action plan, undertake research. Initial training will be given via Zoom then indication and ongoing support is available.

Are you a good listener with an empathetic, professional and methodical approach? Do you have two hours a week to support vulnerable adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)? Action for M.E.’s UK-wide advocacy service, expanding in Scotland, supports adults with M.E./CFS to understand their rights, make informed choices, and have their views and wishes heard and respected, dealing with issues including health, social care, housing and employment. You’ll work entirely online/by phone to meet and represent clients, agree an action plan, undertake research, contact professionals and more. Full training, support and supervision provided by our experienced, friendly team. For more information please contact Avril McLean, Advocacy Senior Practitioner – Scotland at email: avril.mclean@actionforme.org.uk or tel.: 07753247099.

Are you a good listener with an empathetic, professional and methodical approach? Do you have two hours a week to support vulnerable adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.)/ chronic fatigues syndrome (CFS)? Action for M.E.'s UK-wide advocacy service, expanding in Scotland, supports adults with M.E./CFS to understand their rights, make informed choices, and have their views and wishes heard and respected, dealing with issues including health, social care, housing and employment. You'll work entirely online/by phone to meet and represent clients, agree an action plan, undertake research, contact professionals and more. Full training, support and supervision provided by our experienced, friendly team.

Action for M.E. takes action to end the ignorance, injustice and neglect that people with M.E. face day-in, day-out. M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a chronic, neurological illness affecting an estimated 250,000 adults and children in the UK. It may be diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, or M.E./CFS). Action for M.E. team of trained advocates provide issues-based advocacy support for adults with a diagnosis of M.E./CFS (including those with a diagnosis of PVFS). Action for M.E. provide support on a range of topics including health, employment and housing. ROLE DESCRIPTION You will be: • supporting and representing people with M.E./CFS on an issue where they are finding it hard to have their views, wishes or needs heard • providing an independent and confidential service • helping people with M.E./CFS understand their rights and options • helping people with M.E./CFS make informed choices This will involve: • being allocated someone with M.E/CFS as a client, or working alongside an Advocacy Officer providing casework support for a client • holding meetings by phone and video call (and occasionally face to face*) with clients to learn about the issue that is affecting them and the outcome they want to achieve • working collaboratively with a client to produce an action plan • completing actions within set timeframes • regularly reviewing the progress of your client’s case • researching and explaining information to your client • helping your client prepare for meetings • writing emails/letters to and on behalf of your client (with their direction) • representing your client’s views accurately Full training is provided. *depending on capacity, location and health restrictions; Action for M.E. will cover any reasonable travel expenses associated with this (agreed in advance) VOLUNTEER PERSON SPECIFICATION This role requires volunteers to have an existing skillset and to demonstrate the behaviours and values appropriate to advocacy and the organisation. You will be able to: · support someone in an empathetic, professional manner · communicate clearly and be a good listener · work in a person-centred and empowering way · research, record, and share information clearly and accurately · understand and interpret information from policies, processes and rights-based documents · use IT systems such as word processing, internet, emails, video calling, and case management databases · follow best practice guidance and Action for M.E.’s policies and procedures · work independently as well as part of a team (this is particularly important for home-based volunteers).