Chairman's Report
 Developing the Network
 Exchanging Ideas
 Awareness Raising
 Building Relationships
 Involving People

 Independent Advocacy

To promote and where appropriate develop independent advocacy ' including collective, representational, citizens and self advocacy

What have we achieved?

HCCF has demonstrated its ability to lead the strategic development of advocacy and deliver collective and individual advocacy support.

The Advocacy in Action Group, chaired by HCCF's Graham Morgan, launched their Framework for The Development of Independent Advocacy in the Highlands which calls for all residents of the Highlands to have the opportunity to use advocacy services at times of need, particularly those people at risk of exclusion.

HUG itself is recognised as one of the best developed Mental Health User Networks in Scotland.

The Carers Project knows that advocacy makes a real, immediate and positive difference for carers. It strengthens the carers voice, empowers them when they most need it and aims for solutions to problems.

The Carers Project has:

• Supported 93 carers through Housing, Health, Social Work and Education issues.
• Designed a postcard to reach 'hidden' carers in North & West Sutherland delivered to every household by local schools.
• Worked with carers to develop plans for using volunteers as advocates.

What difference has this made?

• Housing - a grant to pay a deposit so a carer could move / a move to specially designed and built house / one carer now has a house for her son to move into.
• Practical support - grants for decorating /showers / furniture /going on holiday.

Supporting carers to give up caring when they were expected to carry on.

Education - a carer got the nursery place of her choice.

Successfully challenging financial decisions.

 Spreading the Word
 Work with Other Agencies
 Evaluating Our Work
 Funding 2000 / 2001

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