Service categories: Information, advice and advocacy, Social care and residential services, Support groups, social programs and branches

Service URL: https://advocacybridge.org.uk

Secondary URL: https://open.substack.com/pub/michelleshawuk

The Advocacy Bridge CIC helps bridge the gap between people and the systems around them.

We work alongside adults who may feel unheard, unsupported, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn. Many are navigating situations where communication, decision-making and everyday life have become increasingly difficult, whilst their needs are misunderstood because presentation does not always reflect capacity.

Many of the people we support appear capable on the surface. They may communicate well, work, support others or appear to be coping, whilst privately finding it increasingly difficult to process information, make informed decisions, communicate their needs or navigate the systems they depend upon.

Too often, articulation, intelligence, compliance, education or professional experience are mistaken for capacity, wellbeing, choice or genuine understanding.

As a result, people may struggle to ask for help, understand their options, access appropriate support or recognise when they need support in the first place.

Many of the people who fall through the gaps are autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent adults, particularly those who are late-diagnosed, self-identifying, recovering from burnout, navigating major life changes or rebuilding trust in themselves after repeated misunderstandings and setbacks.

We help people to:

• Better understand themselves and their situation
• Make informed decisions about their lives and futures
• Navigate complex systems with greater confidence
• Communicate their needs and participate meaningfully
• Build greater autonomy over time

We also work alongside families, professionals, employers and services to create the understanding, flexibility and shared approach that make this possible.

At the heart of our work is a simple belief:

Presentation does not always reflect capacity.

People often contact us because:

• They don't understand what's happening or why things feel so difficult
• They feel unheard, misunderstood or unsupported
• They have lost confidence in themselves
• They don't know what to do next
• They feel overwhelmed by information, paperwork or systems
• They need support communicating with professionals or family members
• They need help identifying their next safe step

The support people are often seeking is not simply information. It is:

• Safety
• Trust
• Understanding
• Clarity
• Practical support
• Advocacy
• Help navigating systems
• Time and space to slow down
• Confidence to move forward

Two questions guide much of our work:

"What is this person's actual capacity right now?"

"What would help them feel safe enough to move forward?"

Many services begin with the problem.

We begin with the person.

By understanding the person, their circumstances and their current capacity, we help create the conditions for informed decisions, meaningful participation and greater autonomy.

Our aim is to help people feel heard, understood and valued; reconnect with the people, services and opportunities that can help; and build the confidence and skills to navigate life's challenges with greater independence.

The Advocacy Bridge CIC is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company.

We do not provide crisis intervention, emergency mental health support, legal representation, regulated therapy or statutory advocacy under the Care Act, Mental Health Act or other regulated advocacy frameworks. However, we can be commissioned to provide practical support, advocacy and self-advocacy coaching through:

• Local Authorities
• Adult Social Care
• Charities
• Grant-funded programmes
• Spot Purchases
• Direct Payments

Many people benefit from a combination of practical support, advocacy and self-advocacy coaching, tailored to their circumstances.

You don't need to have all the answers before asking for support.

Many people contact us simply knowing that something isn't working.

Together, we'll make sense of what's happening, explore your options and identify the next safe step that's right for you.

Sometimes people don't need months of support. Sometimes they simply need the right conversation.

We work alongside people, not instead of them.

Aimed at: Adult , Adult sibling, Anyone with an Association to Autism, Businesses, Parent/carer of an adult, Parents or carers, families, adults, Partner, Professional

Referral Sources: NHS and Private, NHS Consultant, NHS primary care, Social Care, Yourself

Specialisms: Autism and Neurodivergent , Has autism-specific elements, Has autism-specific elements, Staff and volunteers get autism awareness training

Other specialisms: • Adults whose presentation does not reflect their level of difficulty • Neurodivergent-informed advocacy and practical support • Late-diagnosed and self-identifying autistic and ADHD adults • Executive functioning, communication and decision-making support • Psychological safety and meaningful participation • Trauma-aware, consent-led and capacity-focused practice • Access to Work and workplace navigation