Supported Voices

A project supporting BME Advocacy across London

What is Supported Voices?

A project supporting BME Advocacy across London through an action learning set programme, regional training events, mentoring, access to the Advisory Group and a bi monthly BME Advocacy Bulletin.

Funded by The Bridge House Fund the aim of the Supported Voices project is develop BME Advocacy good practice through the sharing of resources and development of the BME advocacy knowledge base

What do we do

1. Action Learning Set Programme for Advocacy Schemes working with BME Communities.

The Supported Voices project is based on the idea of ‘Active Learning Sets’, where 6-10 people come together in an environment of peer learning and support. A facilitator from Advocacy Resource Exchange will be present to guide the group. Each month a new area will be discussed. Participants will share experiences and ideas, go away and implement them, and report back in the next session on the challenges and successes.

Why Action Learning Sets:

• Participants come together in a confidential, reflective space with other advocates who support people from BME communities, to explore issues, reflect on work, receive support from peers and identify shared issues.
• Use peer learning to identify good practice in advocacy and practical solutions to problems faced by advocates working on the ground
• Identify training needs and meet them through accessing further resources
• Identify useful seminar and networking opportunities designed to strengthen the work, knowledge base and voice of advocates supporting people from BME communities
• Play a central role in creating a good practice guide for BME advocates and in research to benefit these communities

2. Support for Advocacy schemes wanting to increase their accessibility to people from BME communities:

By participating in the Action Learning Set Programmes, regional training events or involvement in mentoring opportunities.

3. Email Bulletin

The Supported Voices bulletin can be accessed through the website or email John Mayford on: john.mayford@advocacyresource.org.uk

Up coming Events

• BME Mental Health Advocacy Action Learning Programme April – September 2009
• BME Health Advocacy Action Learning Programme April –September 2009
• BME LGBT Advocacy Learning Programme April – September 2009

To take part in the Action Learning Sets or find out more please contact John Mayford on 07970 416788 or john.mayford@advocacyresource.org.uk