by Greta Yeoman
Members of Anglican Care South Canterbury’s advocacy group celebrated the group’s third anniversary last Friday.
The group of volunteer advocates, led by Anglican Care South Canterbury social justice advocate Ruth Swale, offer one-to-one support for people needing advocacy work in a variety of situations.
The group began in 2015 and has grown to 13 advocates – eight in Timaru, two in Waimate, one in Geraldine and two in Temuka.
Members also run small group workshops on a range of topics, including one on dealing with anxiety, set down for this weekend.
Ms Swale previously told The Courier advocates were often asked to mediate in Work and Income meetings, employment disputes or other situations in which someone might require a support person.
While the volunteer advocates would support someone, they were not supposed to take charge of settling a dispute or necessarily obtain the result someone wanted, she said.
“[We are about] supporting but not endorsing people.”
For more information, contact Ruth Swale by emailing socialjusticeadvocate@anglicanlife.org.nz or phoning/texting 021134-0307, or search “Advocacy Anglican Care South Canterbury” on Facebook.
