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.

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 - Volunteer Co-ordinator and Training Officer

As Yvette's titles suggest, she does two different jobs for the Alliance. As Volunteer Co-ordinator, Yvette recruits, trains and supervises volunteers within their chosen roles within the Alliance. Yvette is also the organisations Training Officer. She delivers advocacy awareness training to new staff and to other organisations interested in learning about advocacy. 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.

Martyn Illingworth - Advocate / Clerk to the Trustees

Martyn began working for the Alliance in December 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. In addition to this, Martyn administers our projects, and is responsible for ensuring contractual compliance. Martyn also is the Clerk to the Trustees, and is responsible for advising and assisting the 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.

Liz Murray - Advocate

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

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 Physical Disability and sensory impairment Advocates and will be working in the South of the County. Pete is a vast amount of experience of working with people who have physical disabilities.

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 joined the team in August 2009. She is enthusiastic and dedicated to ensuring vulnarable people have an opportunity to have a say in their lives.

Sarah Young - Advocate

Sarah is our advocate for people who have personality disorder. Sarah also works as an advocate in low secure mental health facilities. She has a wealth of knowledge around mental health issues and works extreemly hard to ensure people have a say in their lives - having their voices heard.

Anne Marie Gardiner - Advocate

Anne Marie joined us in January 2010. She has significant experience of working with people who have multiple needs. She currently works on our Together we Can project as a group advocate and also provides asdvocacy to people who have learning disabilities.

John Oxley - Advocate

John joined our organisation in March 2010. He is working on a number of projects, including physical disability and sensory impairment, multiple and profound learning disabilities and also mental health.

Lisa Richardson - Advocate

Lisa is our newest member of the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment team, joining us in June 2010. She has significant experience of working within the deaf community and we are sure her skills will ensure the deaf community have a much needed advocacy service.