As part of Advocacy Awareness Week, we’re continuing to speak with members of our team to learn more about what advocacy means to them and the experiences that brought them to this important role.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Sian Prowle, who has been an Advocate for six months with our Kirklees Advocacy Hub.
How long have you been an Advocate for?
Six months (however, I have been advocating for others in my professional role for nearly 30 years).
What does advocacy mean to you?
To me, advocacy means helping people speak up for themselves and giving them a voice. Supporting people to speak up and if they are unable to do so, being a voice for that person. Helping people express their views and wishes, having their rights, wishes and needs understood.
What first made you interested in becoming an Advocate?
I have been advocating for people in my previous roles (Support/Senior support) for nearly 30 years. I have supported some of the most vulnerable people in society. I have always strived to get their voices heard. My role was a Support Worker, not formally an Advocate, however I advocated on a daily basis for them. Since I was a child, I have always been an advocate for animals. Animals don’t have a voice, and I have always and continue to stand up for their rights. I was interested in becoming a formal Advocate for these reasons. I supposed it’s “in me”.
What do you find most rewarding about being an Advocate?
Helping people who had no voice, who weren’t heard, to find their voice and be listened to.
