Our Direct Advocacy Program
Advocacy is being with someone and helping them to make their voice heard. It is being on someone’s side when they are having problems or being treated unfairly.
At Side By Side Advocacy we advocate for people with disabilities, particularly intellectual disabilities, in the Northern Sydney Local Government Areas of: Ryde, Hunters Hill, Willoughby, North Sydney, Mosman, Lane Cove, Hornsby, Pittwater, Warringah, Manly (and Ku-ring-gai from 2008).
Staff members at Side By Side Advocacy can provide advocacy in a range of areas including housing, health, employment, support services, guardianship and education.
After consulting with the person in need of advocacy, we objectively determine the issues that need addressing and develop a plan of action. We then represent the interests of the person, and support their decisions and choices when interacting with the relevant departments, groups and organisations.
If we are unable to assist, we will make every effort to find a more appropriate service or organisation for the person’s needs.
Our Citizen Advocacy Program
Side By Side Advocacy seeks to meet the advocacy needs of people with disabilities by creating and supporting one-to-one voluntary relationships between a person with a disability and a ‘Citizen Advocate.’ Citizen Advocates are ordinary people who care about others and who are willing to respond to another person’s need. These advocates come from all walks of life, and bring with them a variety of life experiences and expertise. Most advocates have had no prior significant involvement with people with intellectual disability.