Glasgow school learns about advocacy in new VoiceAbility careers week

7 students aged 15 and 16 at Govan High School took part in the new Advocacy Careers Experience Week, to learn more about how becoming an independent advocate can lead to a rewarding career for young people in Scotland. 

The students spent a week with advocates from VoiceAbility, learning how independent advocacy upholds people’s rights, provides them with knowledge, and empowers people to speak up for themselves.

The week’s activities included discussing what qualities and skills a good advocate should have, mind-mapping, and a fun non-verbal communication game acting out different emotions. 

The placement also supported the students to develop useful life and career skills like goal setting, and identifying their own strengths and values. Students had the opportunity to feed back every day, to make sure they could get the most from the experience.

Emily Johnston, Operations Manager for Scotland who leads the team of advocates developing the Careers Experience Week, said: 

“Our advocates are enthusiastic about the career opportunities that advocacy brings. Young people might not always have advocate on their list of professions for the future but we’re working to change that. Through this programme, we hope that the next generation will understand the impact advocacy can have, and how they can have a rewarding career supporting people to have more choice and control over their lives.”

VoiceAbility has been commissioned by the Scottish government to provide independent advocacy support to disabled people applying for Social Security Scotland benefits. Advocates provide in-person and phone support with completing forms, understanding what you’re entitled to, and with the appeals process.