Each month we will be talking to members of the Suffolk Family Carers team so you get to know us, and how we can help you. This month we have been talking to Louise Marks, Team Leader of our Advocacy Team.
How long have you been in your role, and what, in a few words, does it involve?
I have been in this particular role since Oct 2020. I have been working as an independent advocate for 4 years, I was previously at Vocieability. My role involves supervising the team and delivering advocacy under the Care Act , Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act as well as non-statutory advocacy and support with NHS complaints.
What attracted you to work for the charity?
I was first attracted to the role itself and was aware that Suffolk Family Carers are a good employer who offers opportunities to grow in your career.
What does a typical work day look like?
There is no typical day in advocacy this is what attracts me to the role. Advocates represent the view and wishes of their clients, it is not about what we feel would help or be ‘best’ we give the client the options and help them work through the options. We also ensure the rights of clients are upheld and can be sprang into action at any point if we can see someone’s rights not being upheld. Every Advocacy case is different and we need to learn new things all the time. Practically are days are spent visiting and contacting clients, liaising with professionals and writing reports.
What makes you passionate about the role of the carer?
I feel that carers are often overlooked in our society and the majority of the population do not understand the important role this group of people carry out. Carers are often selfless in their role and work to enhance the quality of life of those they care for.
Do you have any particularly exciting projects or initiatives you’re working on now?
The Total Voice Suffolk contract will shortly be out for re tender and we will be preparing for this. Advocacy in Suffolk is delivered by a partnership of organisations at present and this is what the Local authority has said they want going forward.
Outside of your Suffolk Family Carers world, how do you like to spend your time, and who with?
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family particularly my grandchildren. I like to be active and play tennis, cycle and walk. I also volunteer at the Ipswich Film Theatre as an Usher , come along we show fanatic films including local interest ones .
How do your family or colleagues describe you?
They often say ‘are you mad‘ or lately just ‘you are mad’ when I try new things, like swimming in the North sea in May when it still only 9 degrees in and out of the water, getting back on a horse after not riding since I was 15, going too far flung parts of the world on my own, including my last holiday where I went fat biking in Finland essentially cycling in the snow in -17° to -25° temperatures in the wilderness.
Do you have any surprise skills which people may not know about you?
Knitting and I am able to do a double skip.
What do you love most about living in Suffolk, and are there particular places you love to go?
I love the big skies we get here I love to visit Shingle street and cycle round the lanes around Codenham
Name three words which sum up the role of a carer:
Selfless, isolating, rewarding.
For more information on Advocacy visit our website: www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/advocacy-new/
