About POhWER

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POhWER is an advocacy, information and advice charity.

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Advocacy means enabling your voice to be heard, to help you say what you want and find the information you need.

A black and white photo of the launch of POhWER in 1996

POhWER was set up in 1996 by service users in Hertfordshire who wanted to make their own decisions about their lives.

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That’s why POhWER stands for ‘People of Hertfordshire Want Equal Rights’.

POhWER's Annual 2021 Survey on British Human Rights

Today we are launching POhWER’s first annual public digital survey canvassing the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of the British

POhWER's strategic themes. A level playing field, advocacy accessible to all, people centred advocacy not limited by commissioning boundaries, addressing the root cause of disadvantage, support human beings not labels, influence the attitudes, choices general public on Human Rights.

We would like to understand your opinions, beliefs and level of knowledge about British Human Rights in your every day life.

As part of our 5-year strategic themes, we are motivated to drive systemic change and to influence direction of Human Rights protections in the United Kingdom.

The survey is fully anonymous and we encourage everyone to complete it. It takes approximately 5-15 minutes to complete.

As we are surveying opinions and attitudes inside the United Kingdom and the laws of Great Britain – we welcome everyone who currently lives here to take the survey regardless of your identity, race, ethnicity or immigration status. By British, we are referring to residential status as those living internationally may not be familiar with UK laws and practices.

Your anonymous feedback will be used to influence future campaigning, influencing and service development work.

Please visit:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/POhWERHumanRightsSurvey2021
to take part in the survey and share your views with us.

Although the survey commences today, we will be collecting information all throughout 2021 so please do share on social media and with your own networks.

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your valuable views.

Latest

Sheilagh’s story - advocacy support

Sheilagh contacted POhWER after receiving treatment from the dental practice. Sheilagh wasn’t satisfied with the treatment she received and believed she was discriminated against due to having a hearing impairment. She is registered deaf and requires a BSL interpreter for her appointments.
Deaf Awareness Week 2021

3rd - 9th May is Deaf Awareness Week, an annual event to raise awareness of deafness and hearing loss.
A year like no other – Reflections on my first year as POhWER’s CEO

Sentimentality is not one of my default emotions. However, as I reflect on my first year in the job at POhWER I cannot help but celebrate the people who work here. They have shown boldness, resilience, coping skills and selflessness I can only reflect on in admiration.
Secure & Complex Services Advocate

Office based: - Arnold, Nottingham Job reference: 36 Contract: - Permanent Full-time – 37 hours a week, working hours between Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Salary - £20,000 to £22,438.00 dependent on experience per annum + benefits

Deaf Awareness Week 2021

3rd - 9th May is Deaf Awareness Week, an annual event to raise awareness of deafness and hearing loss.
Joaquim’s story - World Autism Awareness Day 2021

Read the story of a young man, Joaquim, who has severe Autism, a Learning Difficulty and Cerebral Palsy and needed support around a change of accommodation. Shared as part of World Autism Awareness Day 2021.
POhWER responds to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry “Mental Health Act Reform"

During February & March 2021, the Joint Committee on Human Rights launched an inquiry into the proposed reform of the Mental Health Act.
POhWER responds to the Justice Committee inquiry “The Coroner Service"

During 2020, the Justice Committee launched an inquiry into the examining the effectiveness and capacity of the Coroner Service. It looked at whether enough progress has been made in improving bereaved people's experience of the Coroner Service.
POhWER responds to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry “Human Rights Act Independent Review"

Since the Human Rights Act was created in 1998, POhWER has gathered evidence to submit to the inquiry through our own recent work and contacts across the UK.
What message is the Government sending about commitment to Human Rights?

This week’s headlines have been confusing and worrying. The signal which the government seems to be sending to the public on the subject of commitment to ECHR and human rights in British life is a cause for concern - especially for an advocacy charity like ourselves.
The second wave preppers - our CEO featured in The Telegraph

Our CEO Helen Moulinos was featured in an article for The Telegraph, about possibility of a second wave and how we keep our beneficiaries supported and their rights upheld.
Responding to a crisis - POhWER publishes Covid-19 impact report

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on people’s lives and we know that many of the people we support are acutely affected. Access to advocacy during these challenging times is more important than ever and we have published this report to demonstrate the creative ways we have found to ensure that vulnerable people still receive the support they need.
The Power of Advocacy - our CEO Helen Moulinos's interview with The Elder Magazine

Our CEO Helen Moulinos was recently interviewed by The Elder Magazine.
Government guidance on COVID 19 testing circumvents human rights for people who lack mental capacity

POhWER’s Chief Executive talks about the impact of Covid-19 testing on people lacking mental capacity and the implications of the guidance.