Ceartas

Aim 1
To improve understanding of the role of advocacy:

1. Have a planned annual programme of presentations on advocacy to service providers/key stakeholders, and respond to requests for such presentations.
2. Develop and regularly update a website that presents a clear message about what advocacy is, current developments in the advocacy field, and maximise the use of the Website by professionals and potential service users.
3. Produce information leaflets on Ceartas for various stakeholders and make this available in relevant formats (Easy Read, large print etc.) for potential service users.
4. Engage as a professional organisation in all interactions with service users, professionals and other stakeholders.

Aim 2
To support people to have their views heard:

1. Have a staff team skilled in empathic listening.
2. Regularly update staff on relevant legislation
3. Represent service user’s views clearly and directly in all interactions with both outside agencies and individuals

Aim 3
To support service users to take as much control as possible in their lives:

1. Adopt a person centred approach in all communication
2. Inform and then support service users to make informed choices in each situation where advocacy input is required or requested
3. Respect the service user's choice at all times 

Aim 4
To challenge practice with care/service providers:

1. Act in a professional manner on all occasions
2. Raise issues of concern with appropriate staff
3. Monitor trends in practice/issues of concern
4. Report back timeously on key issues and trends to EDC