SWAN charity launches new website (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

SWAN charity launches new website

5:00pm Tuesday 19th June 2012 in Wiltshire

SWAN Advocacy, a Wilt-shire charity that helps vulnerable people to get their voices heard, has launched its new website.

Last year Swan supported more than 600 people and provided over 9,000 hours of advocacy.

The charity, which has offices in Devizes and Salisbury, helps people to take control of their lives, challenging discrimination and preventing social exclusion.

At the launch of the new website – http://swanadvocacy.org.uk – Swan clients told how the charity had helped them.

Jayne Scott, who has specific health difficulties, said she needed help accessing social services but lacked the ability to communicate effectively.

She said: “Luckily I was then put in contact with Swan. My advocate helped me contact the relevant services and get the support I needed.”

Swan has grown from a two man operation in 1998 to employ 15 staff, and has 18 trained volunteers offering advocacy services throughout Wiltshire.

The charity’s growth has been fuelled by a recognition by statutory services of the need and value of advocacy.

Nick Alward, Swan’s chief executive, said: “The new website makes access to information about the charity’s services easier for both its clients and partners.

“It presents pertinent case studies telling how Swan touches the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community.”