In April 2016 CiLK became a delivery partner for the Kent Advocacy Partnership. We are delivering community, often peer, advocacy. This means that when appropriate we can support people to:

• Express their views, wishes and needs

• be listened to

• know and understand their rights

• ensure they can be involved in a decision that needs to be made.

We have the belief that everyone should be able to live an independent life in the way they choose with the support they choose.  Living independently does not mean doing everything yourself but it is about having the right support in place and being in control of that support to live the life you choose.

We promote Self Advocacy, giving the individuals the information and tools to advocate for themselves. However, sometimes, as a result of unforeseen circumstances such as ill health this may not be possible so we will take a more ‘hands on’ approach.

Currently the areas we support through independent living advocacy are:

• Social Care

• Housing

• Benefits Assessment

• CiLK is happy to discuss and explore advocacy for other issues that may arise.