An Oswestry charity has launched a powerful new campaign “A Visit Changes Everything” highlighting the life-changing impact its advocates have on some of the county’s most vulnerable adults.
The campaign, launched by Shropshire PCAS (Person Centred Advocacy and Support) in Oswestry, will shine a light on the transformation that can happen when someone who feels isolated, overwhelmed and unsupported finally has a trusted person by their side.
The charity, which was founded in Shropshire more than 31 years ago, is now appealing for the public, volunteers and businesses to help support the campaign in order for the charity to support more people on their waiting list.
Shropshire PCAS provides independent advocacy and support to disabled and vulnerable adults across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin – including many who have no family, no support network and nowhere else to turn.
The charity says demand for its services has reached critical levels, with advocates regularly supporting people who are struggling with complex combinations of housing problems, safeguarding concerns, health issues, financial difficulties and severe loneliness.
Tarrah Lewis, Business Development Manager at Shropshire PCAS, said: “People often think advocacy is about paperwork or phone calls, but it’s much more than that. Sometimes we are the only person someone sees all week. One visit can completely change how someone feels about their situation and about themselves.
“We’ve seen clients who were too overwhelmed to open their own post, too frightened to answer the phone or too anxious to leave the house. We sit beside them, help them take one step at a time and slowly things begin to change. Confidence comes back. Hope comes back. That human connection matters more than people realise.
“We are also a vital signposting service for them – we enable them to get more help from other amazing organisations too.”
PCAS advocates visit clients in their homes and support them with a wide range of issues including social care assessments, health appointments, housing concerns, benefits, safeguarding matters and accessing other services. The service is completely independent and person-led, meaning advocates can support people in ways many other organisations cannot.
The charity says one of the biggest issues facing clients is isolation.
“For many of the people we support, loneliness is absolutely devastating,” added Tarrah. “Some clients have nobody. No family visiting. No friends calling. Sometimes the advocate becomes the only consistent person in their life. That’s why this campaign is called ‘A Visit Changes Everything’ – because often it genuinely does.”
PCAS has supported thousands of people during its history, but increasing demand and funding pressures mean the charity has had to temporarily close its waiting list four times in the last two years. At times, more than 70 people have been waiting for support.
The campaign is now calling on individuals, businesses and community groups across Shropshire to help by donating, fundraising, volunteering or supporting the charity through corporate partnerships.
The charity is particularly keen to hear from local businesses interested in sponsorship, Charity of the Year partnerships or helping to fund additional advocates.
Tarrah said: “Without support from our community, there is a real risk that vulnerable people across Shropshire will simply fall through the cracks. Every donation, every volunteer, every business partnership helps us continue being there for the people who need us most.
“We want people to understand that they don’t have to donate thousands of pounds to make a difference. Sometimes even a small amount can help us make another visit, answer another call or support another person who feels completely alone.”
People can find out more about the campaign, donate or contact the charity through www.shropshirepcas.co.uk.
Pictured: Jackie Copson, Lynne Davies, Glenda Crawshaw and Wendy Timmis from Shropshire PCAS based in Oswestry.
