The aim of Advocacy Highland is to provide free and confidential independent advocacy advice and support in Highland region for individuals over 16 years old, who need to be supported to speak up about specific issues. This, whilst not exclusive, will focus on the support of key priority groups including those with mental ill health, learning disabilities, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those groups who are frail and elderly and with due recognition of diverse and marginalised groups.

Principles

• The equal value of all people.
• The importance of choice and mutual respect.
• The development of skills and abilities which encourage equal opportunities.
• Inclusion in society.
• The independence of advocacy partnerships.
• The independence of Advocacy Highlands.
• Accessibility of advocacy.
• Advocacy as part of local communities.
• Positive relationships and networking with other agencies and individuals in the Highlands.
• Involvement and influence of service users in all aspects of the organisation and decision making.
• Effectiveness – as an organisation and in our advocacy.
• Setting and maintaining high standards for our work, monitoring and evaluating what we do.
• Awareness of confidentiality issues, especially in rural communities.
• Developing and maintaining active links with the advocacy community in Scotland and more widely.

Values

All persons, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religious orientation, class, age, abilities or disabilities have the same human value as any other person and the right to the same consideration, respect and support as anyone in our society.

• They have the same civil and political rights.
• They have the right to be protected from abuse and are entitled to full protection of the law.
• They have the rights to exercise self-determination, that is, to make personal choices on a daily and long term basis, to be allowed to take informed risks and to take responsibility for their own decisions.
• They have the right to a normally acceptable standard of living and economic security with a say in their own finances.
• They have a right to paid employment or to follow a meaningful daytime occupation and enjoy activities which ensure that each person is able to develop their potential in a mature and individual way.
• They have the right to be included in – and have access to – recreational and educational activities and community resources and facilities.
• As adults, they have the right to develop meaningful and, if they desire, intimate personal relationships with other consenting adults and the right to have their emotions acknowledged and respected.
• They have the right to have access to advocacy and representation and can choose to discontinue with the organisation or with the advocate. As far as possible, they can choose to enter into an advocacy relationship, but advocacy should not be denied to those who cannot choose to enter into an advocacy relationship for themselves.
• They have the right to information in an understandable format for them.
• They have the right to be made aware of their responsibilities with regard to being a good citizen.