Celebrating 25 years of The Advocacy Project

25 Years of Giving People a Voice – And Looking to the Future

Last month, we were thrilled to mark a major milestone: The Advocacy Project’s 25th birthday. It was a joyful and moving celebration, bringing together service users, staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters and partners to reflect on all we have achieved, and to look ahead with purpose and drive.

Founded by a small group of committed individuals who recognised that too many people were being left unheard, The Advocacy Project has grown into a trusted and values-driven organisation supporting thousands of people across London. From our beginnings advocating for adults with learning disabilities, we’ve expanded our reach to include older adults, people with mental health issues, and children and young people – always remaining grounded in the communities we serve.

As Cllr Ketan Sheth, Chair of Brent’s Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, said:

“I was honoured to attend the event, where service users, staff, volunteers and supporters gathered to reflect on the charity’s journey and its lasting impact… Lived experience remains central to the charity’s mission. People who have used services are not only shaping projects – they are also helping to lead the organisation.”

A New Strategy for a New Chapter

At the heart of our 25th anniversary is a reaffirmation of our vision:

A world in which every person has a voice

We used this moment not just to reflect, but also to launch our new organisational strategy, shaped by voices across our community – service users, staff, volunteers and professionals. Together, we’ve set our direction for the future, with three bold strategic goals:

1. Sustainability without compromising on quality

   We remain focused on delivering high-quality, person-centred, rights-based services. In the face of ongoing financial pressure on the health and social care system, we are exploring new ways to fund and deliver our work, without losing sight of our core values.

2. Growing our reach

   Many people across London still face barriers to advocacy and support. We’re committed to thoughtfully expanding our work to reach them, strengthening local partnerships, improving digital tools, and ensuring that everyone – regardless of their situation—has the information and support they need.

3. Amplifying voices and raising our profile

   Our team holds deep insight into the real challenges faced by our communities. We’re committed to speaking up more about our work, building influence, and joining with others to call for change – locally and nationally.

Looking Ahead

In 2024, we welcomed a new permanent CEO and five new trustees, building on strong governance and leadership. With a passionate team of staff and volunteers and the continued guidance of people with lived experience, we are ready to meet the challenges ahead.

The need for advocacy is growing. Many people are facing increasingly complex challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis, the lasting impacts of COVID, and gaps in joined-up frontline support. As we look ahead, we’re more determined than ever to ensure that no voice goes unheard.

To everyone who has been part of our journey – thank you. Your support and belief in our mission have made 25 years of impact possible.

Here’s to the next 25 years, working together for a more just, inclusive and compassionate future.

Explore our new strategy here (also available in Easy Read here) and find out how you can get involved.

Watch our anniversary video below and hear from staff, service users and supporters about why advocacy matters to them.