LEARNING ABOUT ADVOCACY DURING COVID-19

23 Jul 2020

Would you like to help the University of Birmingham discover how the coronavirus is affecting advocacy for people receiving care and support? If so, the invitation below from Dr Benjamin Costello may interest you.

Dr Costello writes: "During these unprecedented times it is essential for advocacy providers and related stakeholders to be consulted to understand how they have adapted their practices to social distancing and other restrictions as a result of COVID-19 to ensure that people from marginalised groups are able to have a voice in their care. This includes older people in care homes, people with learning disabilities, and people detained under the Mental Health Act. Without careful consultation, the views of these typically marginalised groups are at risk of being dismissed or not listened to, further deepening existing inequalities and raising profound ethical issues about our handling of COVID-19.

The University of Birmingham is undertaking a study to understand the impact of COVID-19 on advocacy arrangements, to enable disabled people to have a voice in their care and to receive support.

We would like to invite you to participate in an interview to explore your experience of providing advocacy and engaging with people who require support to have a voice in their own care during COVID-19. We are particularly interested in hearing about any changes or adaptations you have made as a result of COVID-19.

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete a consent form after reading the attached participant information leaflet. The interview will be via Skype, Zoom, or telephone, depending on your preference and will last approximately 45 minutes."

For more information, please see the participation information leaflet.

If you would like to take part, or have any questions about any aspect of this project, please contact: Dr Benjamin Costello at B.D.Costello@bham.ac.uk