Advocacy First - About the Staff

The Staff at Advocacy First

	Heather Thompson - Professional Advocate
	I am a graduate and a qualified Nursery Nurse with 25 years employment history of working in the Care Sector. I have experience in working with all ages to meet a variety of needs, and I have had to complete lots of work related training along the way. Recently I completed the NVQ Level 3 in 'The Principles of Advocacy' and 'Advocacy in Practice'. As a Community Care Advocate I speak on behalf of elderly clients, living in the community, some of whom are very vulnerable and alone. I take time to listen to their concerns and talk through options with them. I then act on their behalf, but always with their permission. I work in an extremely congenial environment. We rely very much on voluntary input so this means that our service is supported by people who choose to give their time to us; our Chairman and the Board Members work on a voluntary basis too. In my spare time I enjoy Grandmother duties and I am active in my local church. I get on well with elderly people and I love spending time with children. In a philosophical sense I enjoy engaging wih the human lives at every level of the age spectrum. Top of Page

	Marite Austrins - Professional Advocate
	Hi Everyone! My name is Marite Austrins, I have recently joined Advocacy First as the new Continuing Care Advocate. Before joining Advocacy First, after gaining a Degree in Microbiology, I had my own Business specialising in hand finished Soft Furnishing and Interior Design. I have also worked in the Fashion Industry (Even today I still have a keen interest in both Interior Design and Fashion!) More recently I worked for MENCAP, supporting adults with varying degrees of Learning Disability and Autism to gain life skills, and assisted them to access Education and Employment opportunities. I also have a cousin who has learning disabilities and I have to advocate for him regularly. My job now involves advocating for patients in hospitals within the London Bromley Borough. I support patients to ensure that their voice is heard regarding any issues they may have during their stay in the hospital as well as those relating to their aftercare once they are discharged. My input enables the patient to become empowered and actually have some control over this particular aspect of their lives. If you or someone you know might benefit from our services please do not hesitate to contact me. Top of Page

	Sue Turner - Volunteer Co-ordinator
	My name is Sue Turner. I have been married to my husband Chris for 31 years. We have five children and a grand-daughter aged 5. I like nature, reading, gardening, eating out and going to the cinema. I also love to laugh and I love people. Life is short and it is important to make the most of every minute. I became interested in volunteering for Advocacy First over seven years ago. It was then known as Bromley Advocacy Alliance. My husband was visiting his father in hospital and was concerned about an aspect of his care. Fortunately, he met someone from the charity who invited him to a meeting. Chris couldn't make it so he asked me to attend instead. After completing the training to become a Volunteer Advocate I was also asked to take on the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator. The rest, as they say, is history. I am in the office each Tuesday from 10am to 4pm and also make calls and tidy-up loose ends from home. I love being associated with a cause I believe to be worthwhile. Top of Page