Self-advocacy
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About Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy helps people understand their rights and how to express themselves. Speaking up about what is important to you can lead to changes that improve services and support. In our groups and meetings, you will learn how to use your voice to influence decisions, make your thoughts heard, and inspire change in the community. It’s also a chance to meet new people, share experiences, and learn together.
Who are these sessions for?
These sessions are for people aged 17 and over who have a learning disability or autistic people.
Our self-advocacy groups are a space to talk about your life, your choices, and what matters to you.
What can you talk about?
You can talk about everyday things like:
- Things that effect your life, such as: Where you live, your health, support and any day to day issues.
- Positive and inspirational stories
- Working or volunteering
- And anything else that you want to speak about
How can we support you to feel confident to speak up?
During our sessions, we use big cards with words on them, like “community”, “health”, or “independence”. We talk about what these words mean to each of us and how they affect our lives. This is a great way to help everyone understand why their voice matters and how we can use it to make a difference in Suffolk.
Where are the self-advocacy groups held?
Our groups are held in Suffolk, at day services, libraries, Ace Anglia office, or at drop-in sessions.
We run self-advocacy groups in different towns and
hubs across Suffolk, including:
Community Locations: Sudbury, Bury St. Edmunds,
Felixstowe, and Stowmarket.
Day Centres and Hubs: Sudbury Hub, Lowestoft Hub,
Saxmundham Hub, Mildenhall Hub, Haverhill Hub and
Papworth Trust in Ipswich.
These groups are open to anyone who wants to join
and be part of important conversations about their
lives and the community.
If you are interest in our self-advocacy groups, please contact chewy@aceanglia.com
or
Suffolk People First
About Suffolk People First
Suffolk People First is a welcoming event for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, their families, and support providers to come together, share experiences, have their voices heard, learn from one another, and influence positive change in their communities. You can also enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits!
Suffolk People First is a free county-wide self-advocacy conference hosted by a Suffolk-based advocacy organisation, Ace Anglia. It is held three times a year at Kesgrave Community Centre.
The venue is fully accessible and our conference is held in the Ropes Hall.
What happens at Suffolk People First?
Each meeting focuses on a different theme about Health, Housing, or Social Care.
It’s not just about learning – it’s also a fun and friendly event where you can:
- Talk to stall holders from different organisations
- Join in table-top activities
- Listen to presentations and learn about new information
- Meet people, chat, and socialise
- Speak up and share your views
- Take part in surveys and activities
- Have your photo taken or record your thoughts on video
- And sometimes be interviewed on BBC Suffolk Radio!
We capture all the meetings at Suffolk People First and share the presentations and minute booklets so you don’t miss out on anything.
Listen to the people talk about Suffolk People First and why they think it’s important to attend the conference.
Talk Tech
About Talk Tech
Talk Tech is a conference about technology for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Technology can help you do many things, such as communicating with others, even if you have trouble speaking. Special devices and apps can assist with this.
At this event, we have guest speakers join us to talk about the latest technology that can help people live ordinary lives. We also share technology tips on how to access information better.
This event is free and is held at the University of Suffolk once a year. You can attend this event alone, with your support staff, family members, or as a healthcare professional.
Come along to our meetings and events
If you would like to come along to any of these groups or meetings, contact chewy@aceanglia.com to sign up or find out more information.
The dates and information for the up-and-coming self-advocacy sessions which are open to the public and meetings will be available on our events page.
Our Self-advocacy team
Contact one of our advocacy team for more information
