We took part in the successful event earlier this month in conjunction with three other organisations that welcomed people from across Suffolk to learn more about the vital work we do in the area.

POhWER works in partnership with three key organisations in Suffolk providing statutory and community advocacy. The organisations are ACE Anglia, Suffolk Family Carers and the Suffolk User Forum.

ACE Anglia, provides advocacy for Children and Young People including care leavers and homeless 16/17 year olds. ACE also covers advocacy for people with a learning disability, autism or ill mental health.

Suffolk Family Carers, provides carers advocacy including statutory and community advocacy across the partnership.

Suffolk User Forum (SUF), provides peer led advocacy on acute mental health wards across Suffolk.

Our new Chief Executive Dr Felix Davies opened the event along with Kirsten Alderson CEO Suffolk Family Carers, Andrea Clarke CEO ACE and Jayne Stevens CEO Suffolk User Forum. They welcomed everyone present and talked about the importance of the partnership, working together to deliver advocacy as four local charities and its value in the community.

The event was an open invitation drop in opportunity for those wanting to speak to people in the community and also to the advocates that provide support in Suffolk.
 
Dr Felix Davies, CEO of POhWER said:

“We are pleased to be part of a positive partnership with Suffolk User Forum, Suffolk Family Carers and Ace Anglia.  At POhWER, we are firmly committed to working in partnership with other organisations to deliver the best quality service possible.  Our joint working with our partners in Suffolk is based on mutual respect and a collaborative approach, recognising and drawing on the strengths of each organisation”.

Karina Kennell, Community Manager at POhWER, added:  

“I am proud to work for POhWER as a Community Manager and lead on the All Age Advocacy contract in Suffolk. We have an amazing team of committed and passionate advocates. It is a real privilege to work with three highly recognised charities in Suffolk.  Working in partnership our aim is to provide a seamless advocacy service for vulnerable people across the area”.

Jayne Stevens, CEO at Suffolk User Forum, the mental health organisation, said:

“The Suffolk Advocacy Service is a people and user led partnership that brings together grass roots organisations in Suffolk who jointly work to ensure that the voices of marginalised and vulnerable people are heard, promoting equality and the right to live good, independent, and healthy lives.

Working together, POhWER, Suffolk User Forum, Suffolk Family Carers and Ace Anglia, ensures we have a stronger and collective voice. We can make a bigger difference to people’s lives.” 

A spokesperson from the Suffolk Family Carers, added:

“Being a partner in the Suffolk Advocacy Partnership with POhWER, ACE, SUF  has enabled us to share other partners expertise and best practice, working well together to achieve the best for people accessing advocacy services in Suffolk.   Suffolk Family Carers brings their specialist knowledge and experience of supporting family carers, and years of providing advocacy to people in Suffolk.”

A spokesperson from ACE said:

“We would like to thank our guest speakers, Gareth Peters, Suffolk County Council, Wendy Scott, ICB, Natly, Expert with Experience, and stall holders. Their involvement and commitment demonstrate that partnership working is truly valued in Suffolk by our commissioners and community organisations."

POhWER would also like to thank ACE Anglia for hosting this event as part of Suffolk People First.