Jo Kay
The Advocacy Project’s Governance and Project Coordinator, Jo Kay, says she’s passionate about equal opportunities and feels strongly that people with disabilities should be able to lead their lives in the way they choose.
What do you like about The Advocacy Project?
“I love that the organisation brings everybody together, no matter what people’s disadvantages or vulnerabilities are. We work as a team.
At The Advocacy Project, everyone is equal. All staff and service users – including our trustees with learning disabilities and mental health conditions – play a crucial role in supporting the charity’s aims and objectives.
The charity is giving vulnerable people a voice in society by boosting their confidence and encouraging them to speak out. They’re able to have a say in the decisions affecting their lives. Before coming to The Advocacy Project, they may not have been given that opportunity.
As part of my role, I enjoy being able to speak to different people on a day-to-day basis and have a variety of conversations.”
What are you passionate about?
“I’m passionate about supporting vulnerable people to access equal opportunities, including fair paid work. It’s important to prevent stigma, and to challenge the perception that people with disabilities can’t work. The Advocacy Project is helping to break down the barriers and prove people with disabilities can succeed in life.”
How does your work help people and contribute to a better world?
“My role involves supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, dementia, and older people, to access and use the charity’s services. For example, I help trustees with disabilities to prepare for board meetings, greet vulnerable visitors and make sure they feel comfortable when coming into the office. I support service users to attend meetings and conferences.
I also support the Chief Executive Officer to communicate with external organisations and individuals such as MPs, to help the charity develop new partnerships and relationships.
I’ve helped prepare for a parliamentary event which looked at the challenges people with learning disabilities face in finding and keeping jobs. I organised attendee lists and catering, and supported staff with learning disabilities to travel to and from the venue. After the event, I set up meetings for The Advocacy Project and policymakers to discuss key outcomes and next steps.”