This role involves using your own lived experiences of eating disorders in a positive way to raise awareness, fight against stigma and campaign for change. Working as a team, ‘Seen but not Heard’ eating disorders collective advocacy have developed training around eating disorders, two films, awareness events, attended conferences, responded to/developed consultations and have produced leaflets and resource packs.

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the country’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We support people to be heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing. We currently have great opportunities in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray to volunteer with us as a Support Session Volunteer helping our clients with general advocacy, supporting people with a variety of challenges. Volunteer support helps us to reduce waitlists and support more individuals by: • Helping clients understand about advocacy • Supporting clients to self-advocate with our tool kits • Signposting clients to other services where required • 1:1 casework • Supporting the service to deliver “collective” advocacy sessions • Keeping detailed notes and records of casework • Promotion of services through events and community engagement Full training and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information/to apply please complete the form at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=eGzK31tX70SYl_VDrh4Pch-qiVWEGtVFpmbiTNvo-HBUMjU5UllHNjAwOUMxTVM3UFFMRTBYUjhSUy4u or contact Karen Murphy, Volunteer Coordinator at email: karen.murphy@voiceability.org or telephone: 07585 969 716.

The Partnership works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to break down barriers, overcome challenges and improve quality of life. The group comprises approximately 15 members of the public, working with five local councillors, and its vision is to: a) To bring about improvements to the lives of people in Aberdeen City who experience exclusion because of disability by promoting a rights-based approach to disability equality. b) To create a society where disabled people are valued, respected and included in the life of the City. c) To encourage and promote inclusion and equality. d) To create fair opportunity by identifying and removing the disabling barriers which disabled people face daily including prejudice, discrimination and negative attitudes. e) To provide a means of partnership, consultation and joint action with Aberdeen City Council Meetings are held at Aberdeen Town House (entrance from Queen Street, Aberdeen). There is also the option to join the meeting remotely if you choose to do so. The Disability Equity Partnership (DEP) has 6 meetings over the year. Examples of projects we have been working on include the City Centre Masterplan, Union Terrace Gardens, webpage and information accessibility to reduce barriers and improve access to information, goods and services. A fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and all volunteers are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Baldeep McGarry, Equalities Officer at email: BMcGarry@aberdeencity.gov.uk or tel.: 07767353006.

Advocacy volunteers needed to promote the principles that underpin independent advocacy support across Forth Valley, to individuals with a Learning Disability, Autism, Dementia, Mental Health, Acquired Brian Injury. Help Advocacy Partners contribute their views and preferences in decision making that directly affects their lives by ensuring they have their voices heard and rights protected. Offer an advocacy service to individuals, by providing information, that highlights their rights and the options and opportunities they have to make informed choices. What they expect from you: - Be part of Forth Valley Advocacy and understand what they do, understand their values and behave appropriately. - Time commitment of one day a week minimum, this can be split into two half days. - Support and where necessary, share Advocacy Partners views with their consent, at meetings e.g. care reviews, informal meetings. - Complete all relevant paperwork as requested. - Take part in all training, development and meetings required for your role. - Be professional and safe when volunteering. - Talk to the team and let them know how you and Forth Valley Advocacy are doing. - To keep to the volunteer role description, agree to the volunteer agreement and adhere to Forth Valley Advocacy Organisational Handbook. What you can expect from Forth Valley Advocacy: - Value and respect you. - Introduce you to the team who will provide you with support and feedback during your time with Forth Valley Advocacy. - Make sure you know what your role is and how to do it, provide you with all the training you need to enable you to do your role and support while you learn. - Ensure you are safe while volunteering. - Recognise your contribution. - Provide regular face to face support. - Regular social events with other volunteers. Forth Valley Advocacy are based in Falkirk, but this opportunity will take place across the Forth Valley area. They try as much as possible to assign you to the most suitable area for the advocacy Partner and you. Forth Valley Advocacy are working towards Investing in Volunteers Award.