The group, which is to become 'A Voice For You', is an organisation based at Plas Dolerw in Newtown that recruits and trains volunteers to become advocates.

Its advocates provide a voice for people with learning disabilities to try to make sure they are heard by others.

They assist to protect their partner's rights, safeguard their interests, help them to establish their place in society and empower them to make their own decisions.

The group has been in existence and provided advocacy services for 20 years.

The idea behind the group's name change, which was formally unveiled at a special meeting last week, is that 'A Voice For You' more successfully encapsulates its role and aims.

Kay Wood, co-ordinator with A voice For You, explained that its services are unaffected by the name change.

She said: "We will continue to provide much needed services for people with a learning disability through the good will, commitment and services of our volunteers, it is only our name that has changed!"

A Voice For You has also opened up a number of volunteer positions to members of the public. Firstly you can sign up as a Long Term Advocate, where you would be required to undertake a one to one partnership with a person with a learning disability, visiting them, listening to them and above all, ensuring their voice is heard.

Alternatively you can sign up as a Short Term Advocate, where you would be required to assist a person with a learning disability with a one-off, short term issue.

For the short term posts A Voice For You is particularly seeking people with a legal, health or education background.

Finally there are positions available as a trustee, where you will be required to attend six weekly meetings to assist in managing the organisation.

Phil King, advocate and trustee, explained what makes a successful volunteer.

He said: "You do not need to have had previous involvement with people with a learning disability to become a volunteer but the following are important factors to take in to account when considering becoming a volunteer."

Phil said prospective volunteers needed an interest in the rights of those with a learning disability, common sense, empathy, a sense of fair play and patience.

Phil also said it is important that those interested have the confidence to speak on behalf of others along with a willingness to listen to their views.

The group will provide free training to ensure that volunteers have the knowledge and skill required to undertake an advocacy partnership.
Additional training is also provided to assist volunteers to carry out their role more effectively.

Social events also play a key factor, and are held to bring together advocates and their partners.

Phil also stressed that co-ordinators are on hand to support volunteers throughout the duration of their partnership.

Co-ordinator, Angela Bennett, said: "Many of our volunteers enter advocacy partnerships because they want to offer assistance to another person but most of our volunteers tell us that they gain as much from the advocacy partnership as their partner."

For an informal chat about volunteering opportunities with A Voice for You, please contact Kay Wood or Angela Bennett on 01686 629951 or write to A Voice for You, Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown, SY16 2EH.