POhWER staff and supporters are giving something (vice/behaviour/habit) up for March to raise money for POhWER national advocacy projects and our local EmPOhWER group project in Nottingham. 

POhWER deliver several peer advocacy groups across Nottingham, supporting people affected by mental health. The ‘Empohwer groups’
are welcoming, empowering support groups for people with a shared experience and common understanding of mental health. Empohwer groups are confidential, free and non-judgemental. Each group will involve tea and biscuits, open discussion, signposting and POhWER can make statutory advocacy referrals.  All groups will be facilitated by trained POhWER volunteers. Facilitators will direct discussion and plan session to address the needs of the group and community.

POhWER view peer advocacy as a great tool for potentially isolated people affect by mental health in the community. Peer advocacy refers
to support provided by advocates with a similar disability or experience to a person using services. This form of advocacy can be very beneficial in supporting people affected by mental health. Peer Advocacy builds up trust as the peer relationship is founded on equality. It is based on empathy, making it easier to speak to a peer because of the shared experience and common understanding. Peer advocacy is person centred, it empowers as it helps people build their
well-being, self-esteem and confidence and allows them to take back control of their own life. Peer Advocacy challenges the discrimination and stigma attached to “mental illness”. A peer advocate is a good role model and can show recovery is possible.

Since March 2019 we have support 140 individuals and have achieved outcomes such as increased independence, increased choice, support to challenge a decision, increased personal dignity and respect, increased access to community services, felt listened to and improved quality of life.