What is your role at POhWER?

I am an Advocate working with people with a learning disability

Why do you work at POhWER?

Because I am treated with dignity and respect and people are always here to help.

What do you do at POhWER?

I run a speaking up group for people with a learning disability and help people to speak up. I get the views of people with a learning disability over to big people in the council.  I go to meetings to represent POhWER. Go to events to network like the Learning Disability Festival. I sit on interview panels for the council when they are employing people. People may want to get into housing and employment, and they can ask me how they go about it or how they can join a club to make friends. 

Why is advocacy important?

As an advocate, I speak up for people with learning disabilities to get across their views otherwise people wouldn’t have a voice. Advocacy supports people to say what they want and need and get independence.

What do you love about your job?

As a person with a learning disability, i love the satisfaction of being employed and having something to give back to society. If I didn’t work, I would be sitting at home not doing much. My job is a nice job. If i can get into work and hold down a job then others can do the same.