National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 - 2016

complex issues and who are particularly vulnerable, are supported by the National AdvocacyService.11.24 There are number of other advocacy programmes in operation, including:- National Advocacy Programme: which was established in 2008 by the HSE toprovide an independent volunteer advocacy service for older people in residential care inorder to help them to effectively express their wishes, access their entitlements and asserttheir rights. The volunteer advocates provide one-to-one advocacy support to people whobenefit from a longer term relationship with an advocate. The service is aimed at anyoneliving in a nursing home or community unit; and- Irish Advocacy Network: which provides a peer advocacy service to people withmental health disabilities. The advocates, who have personal experience of a mental healthdisability, undertake an accredited training course in peer advocacy and work to providesupport and information to people both in the community and in residential care settings.Conclusions11.25 Housing information and advice should be consistent, accurate, comprehensive andimpartial with a view to maximising individual choice and, thereby, meeting the needs ofpeople with all types of disabilities. In the context of disability, it is important that theprovision of information and advice also provides a framework for referrals and protocols inrelation to other services which a person may need – this is critical in the context of theprovision of personal and social supports which are often required to access and maintainhousing. Furthermore, linkages are required with training and employment opportunities,which, in particular, have been identified as critical elements in assisting those managing orrecovering from a mental health disability.11.26 The adequate provision of advocacy services is a vital element which should beavailable to all people with disabilities to enable them to access and manage the housingprocess. Housing authority personnel should continue to support the role of advocates.143