Peer advocacy is about individuals who share significant life experiences. The peer advocate and their advocacy partner may share age, gender, ethnicity, diagnosis, or issues. Peer advocates use their own experiences to understand and empathise with their advocacy partner. Independent peer advocacy works to:

• Increase self-awareness, confidence and assertiveness so that the individual can    speak for themselves.

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• Lessen the imbalance of power between the advocate and their advocacy        partner.  Peer support is a valuable resource for people and their families and carers; empowering them to take ownership of, and have more control over, their health and wellbeing. It enables people to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence.

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