What we do Citizen Advocacy is committed to promoting equality and justice for people with intellectual disability.We support people with little family connection or social support. This group of people can be at increased risk of abuse or neglect. We help by matching individuals with a volunteer who becomes their ally, mentor and advocate.

The need for Citizen Advocacy has evolved for many reasons: • Many disabled people have no one in their lives apart from paid support staff. • Some disabled people may require additional support with the practical demands of everyday life. • The rights and opportunities of people with disabilities are often limited due to societal attitudes and barriers. • Some disabled people may have difficulty speaking up to access the same rights and resources most of us enjoy. • Many disabled people remain socially isolated with limited meaningful relationships.

Ideally, the majority of advocates join us on a long-term basis. Occasionally, these relationships can be short-term and based on a particular issue. We call this crisis advocacy.

What is a Crisis Advocate?

You'll be the first point of contact for someone experiencing a crisis. This could be anything from a legal issue to navigating a difficult healthcare appointment. Your role is to offer immediate support and help them find resources until a long-term advocate can be matched.

Why become a Crisis Advocate?

Make an immediate impact: Your intervention can be life-changing, helping someone through a difficult time who lacks family or social support. Gain valuable experience: Learn about the needs of the disability community and develop your advocacy skills.

Who are we looking for? Champions of Social justice: You believe in the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. Empathetic problem-solvers: You are non-judgmental and can look for solutions during challenging situations. Assertive advocates: You are not afraid to advocate for people's rights and navigate conflict professionally. Commitment While this is a often a short-term volunteer role to navigate a particular challenge or situation, we're looking for individuals who can commit to our training and provide consistent support during a crisis.

Preferable if you have:

• Lived experience supporting someone with a disability or experiencing mental distress
• A passion for social justice.
• A desire to make a difference in your community.

We would love to hear from you

Contact us via email at [email protected]

This role requires a New Zealand police check.