New project seeks British Sign Language speakers

Spoke, the independent advocacy service for adults with physical and sensory disabilities, is launching a new project in South Bedfordshire, providing advocacy for Deaf people within your local community. Spoke are looking for volunteers who hold Level 2 British Sign Language to get involved with this exciting project, which has already proved a success in North Bedfordshire.

What is advocacy?

Many people with disabilities find that society is not good at listening to them. Not everyone finds it easy to stand up for themselves without support. Some people don’t have much confidence, others might have difficulties with communication.  Some are used to doing what other people want them to do. Other find they can’t easily understand the information they have been given or they don’t know what choices they have.  Advocacy gives people the power to state their views and to make their wishes known. 

What do advocates do?

Spoke’s trained volunteer advocates work with people who want advocacy, supporting them to make informed life choices and ultimately, to advocate for themselves. The role involves listening to the needs of the clients, finding out relevant information, helping clients to understand letters and forms, providing access to interpreting services and above all, supporting clients to make their own decisions.

As a volunteer, you will listen, honour client confidentiality and be reliable and non-judgmental, providing the vital support to enable Deaf people in the local community to make informed life choices. You will be fully supported in your role, with comprehensive training, flexible hours and out-of-pocket expenses. 

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity or the project, please contact Elizabeth Benns at Spoke on 01582 470947, on minicom 01582 470993 or email spoke@britishlibrary.net To find out about other volunteering opportunities available in your local area you can contact Georgina Sorrell or Rebecca Gooch at the Volunteer Centre at Voluntary and Community Action South Bedfordshire on 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk