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Independent Advocacy for Disabled People

We provide independent support to disabled people of working age to enter - or stay in - work or training. Our advocates can work with disabled people in Greater Manchester to tackle any issue that affects employment or training.

Our unique approach is both flexible and holistic, tailored to each individual's specific requirements. We are here to support you.

What You Can Expect From Us

Comments From People We Have Worked With

How to Access Our Support

Contact Us

What You Can Expect From Us:

We have two Outreach Advocacy Workers who will work closely with you to further your independent living and employment opportunities by:

Supporting you if you are having difficulties keeping a job, for example because of potential discrimination or work based issues.

Offering support on your terms with issues such as housing, benefits, transport, Access to Work and finding Personal Assistance if these things are holding you back from finding or keeping a job.

Acting alongside you to make sure that all the different agencies involved with you communicate with one another and know what you want.

Supporting you with any aspect of finding work or training, and assisting you to access relevant services.

Providing accurate information about your options.

Making sure that you are in control of decisions and supporting you in meetings, for example with service providers or employers, with your permission.

Ensuring that your views are listened to and respected.

For more background on the principles of Independent Advocacy that we work to, have a look at Advocacy 2000’s useful article, What is Advocacy?

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Comments From Our Clients:

"The support I received has been seamless and steady; they have really understood my problems and are positive and encouraging in their attitude”  Anna

“Thanks to the team for getting my DLA back”  Brian

“They helped me with the housing situation”  Sue

“Very thorough”  Taz

Jason – support to stay in work

Jason has learning difficulties and came to the Centre for assistance when the support he had been getting had fallen apart.  Jason was finding it difficult to deal with work, rent and other day-to-day matters.  An advocate supported Jason through this stressful time and put in place a strong support network for him.  Advocates also liaised with Jason’s employers, enabling him to stay in his job. 

Jason was also being harassed and bullied by his neighbours, who were extorting money from him.  With support he approached the police, who advised him to move house.  Jason moved into another borough and began the process of settling in.  Due to these stressful circumstances, Jason had fallen behind with his Council Tax payments. However, when he attended court for his council tax arrears the judge wrote off his debt after hearing his story.

Read more about our clients here:

Download Client Summaries from the Independent Employment Advocacy Centre (Rich Text)

Download Client Summaries from the Independent Employment Advocacy Centre (Adobe PDF)

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How To Access Support:

The support we offer is free and confidential. We will listen to you, respect your views and act on your behalf only with your permission.

You can refer yourself to receive our support, or Disability Employment Advisers and other agencies can refer people. To request more information please contact us.

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Contact Details

Independent Employment Advocacy Centre
Breakthrough UK Ltd.
B.E.V.C.

Aked Close
Ardwick

Manchester
M12 4AN

Telephone:                         0161 273 5412
Fax:                                      0161 274 4053

Answerphone Minicom:   0161 273 5727

E-mail:                                advocacy@breakthrough-uk.co.uk

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