On September 14th 2020, twenty advocacy organisations (including Asist) launched the document upholding rights and valuing voices: advocacy principles for coronavirus and beyond

The document sets out the following 5 advocacy principles which all twenty organisations pledge to work towards.

You can download and read the full document here:

If you don’t want to read the full document, you can still find out more about the 5 advocacy principles on this page.

Principle 1: we will ensure that people are heard, and their rights are respected. Advocacy helps people get the care and support they need and deserve during coronavirus and beyond.

Principle 2: we will communicate effectively and safely meet with people in person. Some people’s needs mean they cannot be supported by telephone or video calls. Wherever it is safe we’re providing advocacy in person to prevent health inequalities.

Principle 3: we will ensure that people can access advocacy. People’s rights to advocacy haven’t changed. Spreading the word and making referrals is crucial to prevent health inequalities.

Principle 4: we will take positive anti-discrimination action. We know that advocacy can help tackle the health inequalities highlighted by coronavirus. But we still have a lot of work to do.

Principle 5: we will work together to promote systemic change. Advocates are well placed to identify systemic practices, behaviours and attitudes which disproportionately impact people or threaten their human rights.