What is "advocacy" as it relates to peer support?

Advocacy, in the context of peer support, refers to the act of speaking up for individuals' rights, which is essential for empowering clients and ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support systems. This concept emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals in expressing their needs and preferences, thereby facilitating a greater understanding of their rights and promoting their autonomy.

Effective advocacy involves actively listening to the individuals' concerns and working alongside them to navigate various systems, such as healthcare or social services. It helps to create a more equitable environment where individuals feel heard and validated, which is crucial for their recovery journey. The role of a peer support specialist often includes guiding clients to understand their rights and helping them to advocate for themselves or with them in different situations.

In contrast, providing personal opinions to others may detract from the clients’ voices and needs, ensuring silence during discussions runs counter to the very purpose of peer support, which values open communication, and limiting access to resources undermines the fundamental goal of advocacy, which is to empower individuals to access the support and services they need.