Advocacy group's open session to celebrate lottery award

Pictured are Steering Group members Derek Stewart, Lucy Mackie, Roy Milne; (seated): Bill Reid and Kate Stewart.

The Citizen Advocacy Project supports people across the county to have their voices heard and connect to their local communities.

The project matches people who require independent advocacy support with citizen advocates (volunteers) where they both go on to enjoy a long term, ordinary relationship.

Set up in 1995, the charity was started by local people who wanted to offer advocacy support to people moving from long stay hospitals back into the Angus community.

It now offers a free service to children, young people and adults with the aim of continuing to offer advocacy support to local people, so they are included and to create an inclusive community where every voice matters.

Several types of advocacy are offered, but whichever is correct for an individuals, all of the group’s work is delivered to the highest possible standards as and is guided by the Principles, Standards and Codes of Best Practice published by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance.

To celebrate, the team will be opening its doors at its premises, 69 High Street, Arbroath next Saturday, November 19, from 3pm to 6pm.

Local people from across Angus are being invited to come along and join them during the afternoon.

A group spokesperson said: “Whether you are interested in becoming a volunteer citizen advocate, feel that you need support or know someone who needs support, or are someone who wants to know a bit more about what we do, we will welcome you to join us.”

The National Lottery Community Fund allocates grants to organisations in the UK to help improve their communities. Scotland chairperson Kate Still praised the group and congratulated it on its award.

She said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country. This project delivered by Angus Independent Advocacy, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.

"National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work.”