Our Achievements
History
The charity was established in July 1994. Since inception, Asist's core activity has been the delivery of one-to-one, issue based advocacy services to people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or mental health conditions.
This service has developed over the years to encompass all of the County of Staffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent. In the last 12 months the organisation has successfully supported over 3000 people across the region.
Development
In 2000, Asist launched a semi-autonomous project in Stoke-on-Trent called REACH to support self advocacy amongst groups of people with a learning disability. REACH Project Workers work with communities of people with a learning disability to elect local representatives who come together to form a REACH Parliament
In 2007, Asist successfully bid to become the provider of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service (IMCA) in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and in 2009 Asist was also appointed as provider of the Independent Mental Health Advocate Service (IMHA) in the region.
in 2014 Asist became the provider of advocacy under the Care Act.
Alongside its advocacy services, Asist has developed considerable experience in such things as the provision of accessible information and the creation of communication tools.
Asist was one of the first organisations to become accredited with the Quality Performance Mark for Advocacy Services, including the additional assessment for delivery of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service. Asist is accredited as an organisation that is positive about employing people with disabilities.
Award Winning
2016
Best Supporter of Advocacy - Jo Swinswood @ Asist
This award focuses on people who do not directly deliver advocacy but who contribute to and improve standards within the sector.
Equality & Diversity
Equality and Diversity is about making sure that people from all communities are included and treated fairly. We want to hear from services leading the way in serving diverse communities, forming partnerships with community organisations and supporting a diverse staff group and volunteers.
2018
Equality and Diversity
Equality and Diversity is about making sure that people from all communities are included and treated fairly. We want to hear from services leading the way in serving diverse communities, forming partnerships with community organisations and supporting a diverse staff group and volunteers.
2019
Best Supporter of Advocacy - Chloe Harris @ Asist
This award focuses on people who do not directly deliver advocacy but who contribute to and improve standards within the sector.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTqSRBQFbnI&feature=youtu.be
Quality Standards
The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM)
The only Quality Mark for organisations offering independent advocacy.
The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) is only awarded to organisations who can demonstrate that they provide excellent services in line with QPM standards and the advocacy charter.
The QPM is a quality assurance assessment for providers of independent advocacy in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is based on the principles contained in the Advocacy Charter and the Advocacy Code of Practice, enabling providers to demonstrate how they are meeting the different standards.
Social Value Mark
Please select the PDF icon to the left to view Asist's 2023 Strategic Plan.
