Sponsored Editorial: Advocacy.Scot

Her job is a far cry from the humdrum nine to five.

Linda Johnston deals with people in crisis across West Dunbartonshire – from victims of sexual abuse to families facing mental and physical breakdown.

But rather than taking a toll on her, Linda revealed that her job is hugely rewarding as she seeks to “changes peopleʼs lives” each day.

Linda, 57, from Bowling, said: “I have worked as an advocate for more than three years now.

“I love my job, every day is different. Advocacy is really about changing peopleʼs lives and that is incredibly important and rewarding.

“I have helped people who have been involved in serious accidents. One case involved a firefighter who had a leg injury.

“He was out of commission due to his injury and I helped him get thousands of pounds that he was due.

“I also helped a neurodivergent woman and her husband who was suffering from cancer.

“I supported her to make a successful claim for benefits and it helped to unlock so much for her.

“Sadly, her husband got more unwell and sadly passed away. I helped her to make a successful claim for £3000 Funeral Support Payment.

“It was great to be able to help her at such a difficult time. I do this job because it means I can help people on my own doorstep.

“It is hugely rewarding and means the world to me to be able to support people in my own community.”

Linda works for Advocacy.scot which gives independent advocacy to help people understand, apply for and challenge decisions about Social Security Scotland benefits.

The service is run by charity Advice Direct Scotland. Independent advocacy means speaking up for people who face barriers and working with people to understand and express their own views on their own terms.

Linda, who previously worked in social care and HR, added: “Sometimes giving people the help they need, opens a whole new window on life for them.

“Advocacy can be life changing and it is great to be a part of that. People do not need to try to get by on their own. We can help.”

Advocacy.scothelps disabled people throughout the whole benefits journey including applications, appeals and assessments.

Our advocates will:

• Think about what’s happening to you

• Help you say what you want and don’t want

• Help you understand information about your situation

• Explain your options

• Plan with you what to do next

• Keep your information private

• Help you understand your rights

• Help you speak up