Life and Times of POhWER, a brief history
POhWER is registered charity launched in Hertfordshire in 1996 since when advocates have supported people to get their voice heard.
POhWER has grown to become Hertfordshire’s primary advocacy resource providing a range of free, confidential and independent advocacy services across nine Primary Care Trust areas. POhWER employs 18 staff to provide various generic advocacy services within Hertfordshire.
POhWER has been successful in its application to pilot an Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) service.
POhWER’s commitment to enabling individuals to speak up for their rights is primarily delivered through one-to-one advocacy services.
POhWER recognises the inequality that exists in society and works to promote respect and dignity for all by extending its services to enable access to those who face discrimination and prejudice or feel dis-empowered.
POhWER has been providing the Independent Complaints Advocacy Services (ICAS) across the Eastern region since 2002. POhWER has been re-awarded the contract to continue to provide this service from April 2006, along with being awarded the ICAS contract for London and the West Midlands. POhWER currently employs 71 specialised ICAS staff, and will be recruiting a further 31 staff during 2006.
POhWER’s services are available to individuals who want the support of an advocate to speak up for their rights, access information and/or say what they want about the services they receive or require. This includes health, housing, care, community and legal services.
POhWER aims to provide a service as required and where requested. This includes a telephone advocacy service, home visits, a range of outreach advocacy surgeries in the community, and outreach surgeries, for example in Mental Health Acute Hospital settings.
POhWER has a unique Board of Trustees who are passionate about advocacy. The majority of Trustees have personal experience of using advocacy services.
In 2002 POhWER achieved Investors in People (IIP) status demonstrating POhWER’s commitment to its staff. In 2005 POhWER was re-awarded the IIP award in accordance with the updated and more stretching standards.
POhWER has established the POhWER Accreditation Vocation Award (PAVA) to enable advocates to achieve a recognised advocacy training award.
POhWER is committed to providing quality advocacy services. POhWER obtained the Legal Services Quality Mark for General Help in 2002.
POhWER is a charitable company, managing its finances and services in the best interests of those who use POhWER’s Service.
