Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is delighted to announce it was awarded the nationally recognised Investing in Volunteers (IiV) Standard in July.

The award recognises our commitment to providing a high-quality volunteering experience and demonstrates that volunteers are valued, supported and enabled to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation and the communities it serves.

Volunteers play an important role in helping ASC raise awareness of independent mental health advocacy across south and west Wales. People with lived experience of our services have contributed their time, insight and personal experiences to projects such as ‘Your Voice’ – the service users’ newsletter – helping others better understand the benefits of advocacy and encouraging people to seek support when they need it.

Achieving the Investing in Volunteers Standard reflects ASC’s commitment to listening, learning and working in partnership with volunteers and people with lived experience.

ASC is keen to hear from people who have used its advocacy services and would like to help raise awareness of advocacy by sharing their experiences, contributing to the service users’ newsletter ‘Your Voice’, supporting campaigns or participating in future engagement activities.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering or becoming involved, please visit Gyda’n Gilydd – Volunteer With Us! or email info@ascymru.org.uk

Together, we can ensure more people understand their rights and have access to independent advocacy when they need it most.