Connected Voice Advocacy

24/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of Service
As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we're shining a spotlight on the amazing members of our team who make our service what it is today.

Today, we're featuring Hazel, Independent Advocate, who shares what they love most about their role, what they're proudest of, and a fun fact you might not know.



🗂️ What is your role and what does a typical day look like?
I work mainly on the Hate Crime Advocacy project. A typical week for me could be: contact with Police officers seeking updates on crime investigations for the people I am working with; supporting someone to attend an ASB case review; a home visit or appointment at our office to talk through and update on advocacy actions I’m supporting someone with; assisting someone to make a complaint where they’ve received a poor or discriminatory service; helping someone to understand how to apply for housing to move to a safer space; supporting someone to ask for ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the way they are communicated with by other services.

❤️ What is the most rewarding part of your role?
When the people I am working with say they feel listened to, they feel believed and supported, that they know they have someone on their side supporting them, and that this helps them to keep going and pushing for the things they need and are entitled to, to live a better life.

🌟 What are you most proud of during your time with the service?
Just having the feedback from people who say that Independent Advocacy support has made a difference to them, that it has made them feel better, that it’s helped them to access something they needed – when they feel empowered because they know they have rights and feel supported to ask for these to be upheld.

🎉 Tell us a fun fact about yourself that people might not know!
I played the cornet in a brass band for many years. I still get goose bumps listening to a brass band playing a hymn, such a beautiful sound 😊

https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy

21/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of Service
As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we're shining a spotlight on the amazing members of our team who make our service what it is today.

Today, we're featuring Suzy, Independent Advocate, who shares what they love most about their role, what they're proudest of, and a fun fact you might not know.



🗂️ What is your role and what does a typical day look like?
I am an Independent Advocate, working mainly with vulnerable parents when there are concerns about the welfare of their children. I help parents understand what is happening, make informed decisions and ensure their voices are heard throughout the process.
On an average day I might start by checking my messages for anything urgent. I might attend meetings with parents, social workers, health professionals and schools to discuss a child's wellbeing and future plans. My role is to make sure parents understand what is being discussed, can contribute to the conversation and receive any support they need, whether that's explaining jargon, arranging an interpreter or helping them manage anxiety during meetings.
Later I'll write up notes and send any follow up emails. Every person I work with is different and likes me to work in a different way.
In the afternoon I might be on duty in the office, answering phone calls, signposting people to the appropriate organisation and talking to people who want an advocate.

❤️ What is the most rewarding part of your role?
What I love most is seeing the people I work with become empowered by developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to stand up for themselves and make their own decisions.

🌟 What are you most proud of during your time with the service?
It must be the times when people I've worked with have said that when they started working with an advocate they felt that professionals heard them and took their views into account.

🎉 Tell us a fun fact about yourself that people might not know!
I have lived in France and speak French with a Marseilles accent.
I love gardening and my garden is full of fruit trees and bushes.
I love being in the water and can sometimes be found bobbing about at the coast.

https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy

19/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of Service
As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we're shining a spotlight on the amazing members of our team who make our service what it is today.

Today, we're featuring Sarah, Independent Advocate, who shares what they love most about their role, what they're proudest of, and a fun fact you might not know.



🗂️ What is your role and what does a typical day look like?
I am an Independent Advocate, mainly providing community advocacy support.
A typical day starts with a bike ride to work and a quick check of my calendar, emails, messages and task list. From there, no two days are quite the same. I spend time speaking with people I support, writing up notes, researching information, and contacting services such as housing and social care on their behalf.
I regularly attend meetings at OSL and travel to appointments across the city by Metro or bus. At lunchtime, if I've been organised, I'll eat the lunch I've brought with me. If not, it's a trip to Tesco! Sometimes I'll have lunch with colleagues, and other days I'll take a walk to Leazes Park and sit by the lake.
The afternoon is usually filled with more calls, emails and meetings before I hop back on my bike and head home.

❤️ What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Seeing people become more confident and able to advocate for themselves.

🌟 What are you most proud of during your time with the service?
Organising the lockers and cupboards at work! Finally passing my IAQ!

🎉 Tell us a fun fact about yourself that people might not know!
Everyone probably knows but I am a qualified Sea Kayak Leader.

https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy

18/08/2026

Great advocacy can make all the difference.

We were delighted to receive this feedback from someone who accessed our service:

"I can only comment on my experience working with my advocate, who has been outstanding!"

Feedback like this highlights the importance of person-centred support and the positive impact advocacy can have.

💜 Find out more about our Advocacy service: https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy

17/08/2026

💙 We’re here today at the ONE Centre, Gateshead from 10am to 1pm

Our Hate Crime Reporting drop‑in is happening now until 1pm
If you live in Northumberland or Tyne and Wear and:
✅ have experienced hate crime
✅ feel at risk
✅ believe you may be targeted
✅ are affected by hate crime
—you can drop in for confidential support.

Hate crime can include verbal abuse, physical attacks, online abuse, threats, harassment, or damage to property.

Come and say hello 👋 You’re welcome to come along yourself, or someone can attend on your behalf.

https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy/hate-crime-advocacy

Please share to help others know we’re here today.

OUT North East

14/08/2026

Don’t miss this 👇

Build confidence in recognising, responding to and tackling hate crime and Anti‑Social Behaviour (ASB).

The course equips frontline staff with practical tools — including how to use the Hate ID App — to better support people affected by hate and repeated abuse.
Ideal for organisations supporting people, especially those working in:
• Housing
• Adult social care
• Health & criminal justice
• Community services
• Advice, employment & legal roles

Details below 👇
https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/our-programme

14/08/2026

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday 😊

https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy/hate-crime-advocacy

You deserve to feel safe, heard, and protected. 🤝🧡

Reporting a hate crime or seeking support is a brave step, and you don’t have to do it alone. Every third Monday of the month, the ONE Centre hosts a dedicated drop-in session with two organizations committed to standing by you: Connected Voice Advocacy and Northumbria Police.

Who is this for? If you have experienced, or feel at risk of, abuse or harassment because of your race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity, we are here for you.

How we can help:
✨ Connected Voice (Meet Emma & Hazel): With over 30 years of experience, they are award-winning independent advocates. They will listen, speak on your behalf if needed, challenge unfair treatment, and support you through the entire justice process—from making a statement to attending court.
👮 Northumbria Police Community Engagement Team: Providing a safe, approachable space to talk about community safety and explain your reporting options. They are here to listen to your concerns and work to make sure our community stays protected.

Whether you need professional guidance, want to report an incident, or just need a safe space to be heard, you are welcome here.

🗓️ When: 17th August, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Every third Monday of the month)
📍 Where: OUT NORTH EAST, ONE Centre, Unit 2B Stonehills, Pelaw, Gateshead, NE10 0HW
🚫 No appointment needed.
🔗 Tap the link in our bio for more information.

Just drop in for a friendly, confidential conversation.

Have questions? Give us a call at 0191 695 1969 or email us at [email protected].

13/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of Service
As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we're shining a spotlight on the amazing members of our team who make our service what it is today.

Today, we're featuring Zak, Advocacy Administrator, who shares what they love most about their role, what they're proudest of, and a fun fact you might not know.



🗂️ What is your role and what does a typical day look like?
My typical day consists of handling initial enquiries, including answering calls, responding to emails and processing referrals. I also carry out a range of administrative tasks and run various reports to support the smooth and effective delivery of the service.

❤️ What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the positive difference our service makes in people’s lives. From dealing with the initial enquiry when they first reach out for support, to sending and receiving feedback surveys and reading the amazing comments about our service, it’s very rewarding to see the impact we have.

🌟 What are you most proud of during your time with the service?
The thing I’m most proud of during my time here is passing my apprenticeship with distinction and becoming a permanent member of the team. The support I received from the team played a huge part in helping me achieve this, and I was incredibly proud to be offered a permanent role.

🎉 Tell us a fun fact about yourself that people might not know!
I once went paragliding from a mountain at 5,577 feet above sea level!

https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy

11/08/2026

💜Recently, one person we supported shared:

"You've been wonderful at Connected Voice. I'm blown away today. It's appreciated."

We are grateful to receive feedback like this and proud of the dedication, compassion and expertise our Advocacy team brings every day.

As we celebrate 30 years of Advocacy, we remain committed to empowering people to have their voices heard and their choices respected.

Learn more about our Advocacy service:
https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy

10/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 30 Years of Service
As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we're shining a spotlight on the amazing members of our team who make our service what it is today.

Today, we're featuring Laura, Independent Advocate, who shares what they love most about their role, what they're proudest of, and a fun fact you might not know.



🗂️ What is your role and what does a typical day look like?
I am an independent advocate, mainly working with people in relation to health and social care service and housing. I usually start my day updating my notes from the previous day, answering emails and calls. I will usually have two or three meetings a day with people I am providing advocacy to- they might come to the office so we can talk about their issue and decide on what course of action to take. I also spend time carrying out research and preparing written work, such as finding relevant information about law and policy, or helping someone put together a complaint or challenge.

❤️ What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I really value helping people find their power. People often come to us because they haven't been listened to, they belong to a marginalised group and/or are in a vulnerable situation. They may have been made to feel that they don't count or are not to be taken seriously. Through advocacy people can often get the things they want and need. But more than that, it can allow people to be listened to and have an ally, and gain confidence to speak up for themselves. Being part of this journey with someone is extremely rewarding to me.

🌟 What are you most proud of during your time with the service?
I am proud to be part of a service that treats people with respect and acts with integrity. I am proud that the people we work with often reflect this and talk about the difference it has made to them. I am proud of being able to establish positive, trusting and effective working relationships with people who may have had difficult experiences with various services and institutions, and have felt let down.

🎉 Tell us a fun fact about yourself that people might not know!
I love dancing, especially to Northern Soul, and enjoy weightlifting.

https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/services/advocacy