We recently met with our friends at the National Lottery to discuss how we can help local VCSE organisations get more funding. They told us that a major problem is the number of applications they receive that don’t follow the guidance and so can’t be funded.
Steven is an elderly man with a learning difficulty who was struggling to cope with many essential tasks and, as a result, his health was deteriorating and he was feeling overwhelmed and out of control of many areas of his life.
The QPM audit provides an opportunity to reflect on practice and procedures and hear what matters from people who use and commission our services. We value the chance to review our service with experienced assessors who understand the challenges that the advocacy sector is facing.



Where are all the male advocates? Advocacy and masculinity in a new era of normalised misogyny – some personal thoughts by Gus Ironside, Independent Advocate

In January this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, appearing on the massively popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast, commented: “I think a lot of the corporate world is pretty culturally n

Trustees' Week 2024 - The role of lived experience in Trusteeship

In recent months, there have been a lot of changes that are impacting the VCSE sector. Charities, many of which were already facing high demand for services, are now facing the additional challenge of adapting to future demands. This is especially evident in volunteering and engagement

Advocacy Awareness Week 2024 - Nelly's Story

Nelly (name has been changed) was referred into our service by a GP practice Social Prescribing Navigator for help with advocating for her health and care needs.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2024 - Sandra's Story

Connected Voice Advocacy supports people who have been targeted because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity and more through our Hate Crime Advocacy service.

Introducing Stella Simbo, Newcastle Digital Inclusion in Health and Social Care Project Manager

We are delighted to introduce Stella Simbo, who joined us at the beginning of September as our Newcastle Digital Inclusion in Health and Social Care Project Manager, a brand new role within our Health Equity team.