April, a POhWER advocate, worked with Libby - a lady in her 50's who has learning disabilities and had been in care settings for 30 years since her parents died. 

April worked with Libby for two and half years across a range of issues including care and support plan reviews under the Care Act, and Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy around changes to where she might live, and support to be involved in safeguarding processes when concerns were raised on her behalf. April developed a rapport with Libby by speaking to her about the things that interested her such as crafting. April used information in easy-read and picture formats so that Libby was able to understand the questions that she was asking and tell April what she really thought and felt - not what she had been told to say by some of her carers. 

April had to battle hostility to her role from carers, and delays and inaction from the local authority, to take action to protect Libby and move her case forward. In a temporary new placement, Libby gradually started to regain some of the independence that had been lost as a result of the actions of one of the carers and was able to re-establish a relationship with her cousin, Cheryl, who lived at the other end of the country. 

Libby told April that she wanted to live near Cheryl. April worked closely with Libby’s social worker to share Libby’s views around where she would like to live. Libby was then moved to a care setting near Cheryl. Since the move, she has thrived. Libby has got involved with Cheryl and their extended family, gained independence, and developed a social life.