‘I kept saying there’s a little person at the centre of this’: how not being listened to before her son’s brain surgery led to mum’s complete career change
Annabelle McWhinnie lives in Welshpool and works for us as an advocate in Shropshire.
But 10 years earlier, just before the birth of her son, life looked very different.
Annabelle reflects on how her experiences as a parent led her to become an advocate.
Annabelle McWhinnie from Powys works in Shropshire as an advocate
“I had a job in marketing for a government department when I gave birth to my son 10 years ago.
“But my son was quite unwell when he was born and not meeting milestones. I just wasn’t being heard or listened to by the many health professionals involved.”
There was a lot of politics going on, and I kept saying there’s a little person at the centre of this. I had to really advocate for him.
Her son underwent life-saving brain surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool at the age of one, during a period of time when Annabelle was made redundant from her marketing job.
An administration job came up for an advocacy service, which Annabelle admits she ‘didn’t know much about’. She did the role for about 15 months before having the opportunity to train to become an advocate herself, and has been working for VoiceAbility in Shropshire since 2019.
I realised this is where I was meant to be.
“Sadly people’s voices get lost and ensuring that their voice is heard is what advocacy is about.
“Behind every number or referral there is a person, with their own story. And we can help convey that.”
One of the best things about advocacy is its person-centred approach. We are there for our clients and have no other agenda.
“It’s about holding professionals accountable and giving our client a voice in every possible way. And it’s a real honour to be able to support people in this way.”
If you’re interested in volunteering or becoming an advocate, visit www.voiceability.org/get-involved.