Pontefract Family Centre
4 Harropwell Lane
Pontefract
WF8 1QY 

Telephone 01977 705437

Email scott.williams@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk

Opening hours – 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday

  
What we do

We are an advocacy project supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions to have their voices heard and to take more control over the decisions that are being made about their lives.  We support people to have their say on issues that affect them, such as where they live and the support they receive, as well as supporting people to access information about their rights and other services available to them.  We do this by providing different types of advocacy.

Professional advocacy

We work with people on a 1 to 1 basis about a particular issue.  We try to make sure their views and wishes are taken into account and decisions are not being made without their input.  We also challenge professionals on behalf of people with learning disabilities to make sure they are getting the best quality services possible.

Self advocacy

The project supports 4 self advocacy groups across Wakefield.  In these groups we support people to share their experiences and talk about things they are not happy with or things they want to change.  This information is then taken to the Rainbow Group which is a group of representatives with learning disabilities on the Learning Disability Partnership Board.  With support from us this group speaks up on behalf of their peers at the Partnership Board and raises any concerns.

Citizen advocacy

This is a form of advocacy which is focussed on developing a longer term relationship with a person with learning disabilities.  Citizen advocacy is usually carried out by volunteers and is about supporting people with learning disabilities to develop skills and empower them to advocate for themselves over a period of time.  Citizen advocacy is not about working with people in crisis situations but trying to work with people in a more proactive way to avoid crisis situations occuring.

Autism advocacy

We have a specialist autism advocate who supports adults with autistic spectrum conditions and/or learning disabilities.  They also provide training and awareness raising sessions to professionals around the district regarding working with people with autism spectrum conditions.

Peer advocacy

We are currently developing a peer advocacy project where people with learning disabilities can support other people who have complex needs to have their voices heard at the Partnership Board.

Parents with learning disabilities

This is a specialist post supporting people with learning disabilities who are already or soon to become parents.  This role is specifically around advocating for parents through legal proceedings and child care assessments, alongside general issues.

You can access the service using a referral system through professionals, family carers and we encourage self-referrals.

Contact us

 
You can contact us at the above address and telephone number, or by email at the above address.