"After the death of my Husband I was looking around for something useful to do. When I lived in England I had been a volunteer with the Probation Service, supporting families with family either in Prison or on Probation. When I saw the advert for volunteering with Advocacy Highland, I thought it could be worth a shot, and was delighted when I was accepted for the training, which was varied and extremely interesting. After the training, I was "launched" and found my feet quite quickly. The support from the trainers and other advocates was tremendous. I felt like part of a large family and there was always someone who knew the answers I needed and how to go about what needed doing.

I have met with lots of different clients, some with speech problems, some mental health problems, and some who found it difficult to admit to not being able to fill in forms. The variation makes each visit an adventure in a way as it might be straight forward or on the other hand when you arrive you realise that the problem mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg. I have been fortunate in establishing good relations with Social Work and other Services which does help when clients have got themselves in a muddle.

I would recommend volunteering with Advocacy Highland as the support and camaraderie of my fellow volunteers is just great as well as the on going training which is always helpful, and your Co-ordinator is always there when needed."

"I applied to become a volunteer advocate as a result of witnessing and experiencing first hand the difficulties some vulnerable people have in getting their voice heard.

I had previous experience of volunteering with the Citizens Advice Bureau but actually had to actively retrain myself not to give advice but instead empower others to either speak for themselves or allow me to on their behalf. I also quickly learned that I was not there to fix things or to provide solutions but to enable the advocacy partner to think through the options and to utilise the advocacy service for their full benefit. The training I received was very useful and I enjoyed meeting the other trainees.

I have been able to deal with a variety of cases all of which have given me a less cynical view of the various multi agencies involved. I have been surprised and grateful for the welcome and inclusion I have received. There is an enormous amount of support always available from both my Co-ordinator and colleagues in the main office. I am constantly struck by the whole team’s dedication to their work and feel privileged to be part of it."

"Moving back to this area, I was looking around for something to make me “feel useful” and to help me gain experience in the voluntary sector as this is where I wished to gain paid employment. Therefore, I should say up front that my original interest in Advocacy Highland was for mercenary reasons – to gain experience and as with most of you; to feel you are doing something useful.

I was very lucky in that the initial course was held nearby. It was all very interesting and informative and I did enjoy the role plays - when they were over. It is not really possible to cover all aspects of every client group but the course and subsequent workshops gave enough information to cover most eventualities.

Obviously my first few interviews were nerve racking to say the least but over time I have learned to relax and to take the lead from the advocacy partners. Some advocacy partners, albeit they have requested help from Advocacy Highland are more reserved than others, whilst for others it is difficult to stick to the point in hand, but we get there in the end.

It is not always possible for me to say what benefit I have been to advocacy partners in the long term but, I have at least left them with the knowledge that they have a voice and that someone is listening to them and will work towards ensuring their voice is heard.

Fitting in full time employment, family commitments and voluntary work can be hard going at times, “so much to do, so little time”. The “feel good” factor however has remained and I can honestly say I enjoy meeting the advocacy partners, other volunteers and staff. I aim to continue with Advocacy Highland for the foreseeable future as it is well worth the extra effort you have to put in."