Reflecting back on 2022- Advocacy Matters 20th Year.
Elssa Keegan CEO
When we strive for better outcomes for the people we support, it is important that we not only reflect on our failures to determine what we could do better but also acknowledge and celebrate our successes.
Advocacy Matters has had a very successful year.
In January we started working on our resilience with support from the Charities Aid Foundation. We completed our road map to a new Advocacy Matters and begun working with consultants on our ‘Theory of Change’ and communication plan.
In April we held the Advocacy Hatters Tea Party for our advocacy partners, volunteers staff and professionals at Jaffray Day Center in Erdington. This was to celebrate our 20th Birthday and a jolly good time was had by all. Singing, dancing, cake and much merriment.
In June we relaunched our Steering Group and new members came and took part in a free Arts workshop with Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills.
In July and august Advocacy Matters Steering Group of disabled people in conjunction with community groups across Birmingham created a bespoke film and portable screen experience citizens could sit and watch to be overwhelmed and inspired by the history and experiences of people with disabilities in Birmingham. Advocacy Matters was chosen, alongside 106 other community groups, to receive a Creative City project grant, thanks to funding from Birmingham City Council. In partnership with Blue and White Creative, delivered by the Bostin’ Creative Arts & Theatre team, Advocacy Matters made a short film, which was screened and shared as part of the Common Wealth Games Birmingham 2022 Festival.
Personal Best has been inspired by the stories, reflections and hopes of five participants at different stages in their lives, who are challenged, not only by their disabilities, but by the limitations society imposes upon their day to day life. It is a film about lived experience and optimism – hitting the wall, but how to go about pushing through and onward, towards a more inclusive, represented future.
‘Their track. They set the pace, given the space’ Watch it by clicking the link below.
This is our IMPACT in 21/22
Thanks to all our volunteers staff and trustees for the work they have done to support the people we work for.
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