Who we are

Lisa Atkins - Advocacy Business Manager

Lisa has worked for the Advocacy Alliance since 1997 originally as Administrator, then Office Manager. Lisa was appointed as Manager of the Alliance in July 2009 and is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the organisation. Lisa is a dedicated and committed professional who cares deeply about the work we do and is passionate about the organisation, its staff and volunteers.

Margaret Grabowski - Finance and Administration Office / Project Worker

Margaret has worked for the Advocacy Alliance since 2002 and is one of the most valued members of the administration team, making sure the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently. Margaret also works as a project worker for the Advocacy In Day Services Project.

Kerry Pickaver - Administration Assistant

Kerry joined the Advocacy Alliance in 2003. She is a valued member of the administration team. Kerry has a friendly and approachable manner and is described in glowing terms by all who know her.

Yvette Jo Caunt - Development worker and Volunteer Co-ordinator

As Yvette's titles suggest, she does two different jobs for the Alliance. As Advocacy in Day Services Development worker she independently facilitates advocacy speak out groups in 8 day services for people with learning difficulties. As Volunteer Co-ordinator, Yvette recruits, trains and supervises volunteers within their chosen roles within the Alliance. Yvette has been with the Alliance since 2003. She initially worked with us as a volunteer citizens advocate and then joined us as a full time advocate in 2006. She is supportive, friendly and very passionate about what she does.

Brenda Durham - Mental Health Advocate

Brenda has worked for the Advocacy Alliance since 2004. She is a valued member of the advocacy team with extensive experience and knowledge of working in the field of Mental Health. Brenda works within the Mental Health Team. Brenda works as an advocate at a Women’s Low Secure Unit in Newark where she facilitates the Patients’ Council, as well as working with individuals.

Liz Murray - Advocate

Liz joined the Advocacy Alliance in 2007 and works as an independent advocate for people who have learning difficulties and for people who are detained in low secure mental health rehabilitation units. Liz initially came to us on a placement as a student social worker and found the work as an advocate to be very rewarding.

Martyn Illingworth - Advocate / Clerk to the Trustees

Martyn began working for the Alliance in 2008 and works as an independent advocate. Martyn previously joined us as a citizen advocate, providing support to people who would not (under current funding agreements) receive any advocacy support. Martyn has an extensive legal background and is passionate about the work he does. He also undertakes research and audits for various organisations and agencies. Martyn also is the Clerk to the Trustees, and is responsible for advising and assisting the trustees and Management Committee.

Nathan Pollard - Advocate

Nathan is a highly skilled and professional advocate who will be working solely on the Campus Reprovision project. Advocacy partners have told us that Nathan is very approachable and passionate about what he does.

Florence Cotton - Advocate

Florence Cotton joins us with an extensive background in the voluntary sector. She is a dedicated and exceptionally able advocate who always puts the desires of her partners first.

Peter Booth - Development Worker

Pete is one of our new Physical and Sensory Disability Advocates and will be working in the South of the County. Pete is a highly experienced and competent advocate.

Sally Smedley - Advocate

Sally is an advocate on the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Team. She also provides a drop in Advocacy Service at Portmand College. Sally is one of the newest members of the team and is enthusiastic and dedicated to ensuring vulnarable people have an opportunity to have a say in their lives.

Sarah Young - Advocate

Sarah is the newest member of the team and is settling in well. Sarah is an advocate for the Personality disorder service and is currently working her way through her induction and probationary period with the Alliance.