About
We empower people with learning disabilities to make choices, exercise their rights, and live the life they want.
Our History
A Letter from Our Chief Officer
Vocal Advocacy began over 30 years ago when a group of healthcare professionals came together, concerned that people with learning disabilities had little say in their own lives. Back then, many lived in large institutions, and their wishes were often overlooked or ignored.
Since then, we’ve seen big changes—more people living independently and accessing community-based support. But too many still face discrimination, isolation, and decisions made without them.
That’s why Vocal Advocacy exists. Our role is to stand beside people, amplify their voices, and ensure they’re heard—whether in care planning meetings, in court, or simply in everyday life.
We’re here to make sure everyone has the chance to be listened to, respected, and in control of their own future.
Catherine Mundy
Chief Officer
Vocal Advocacy
Our Mission
“Vocal Advocacy champions the rights and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and communication difficulties. We provide independent advocacy to ensure that every voice is heard, everyone has an equal footing, and all can actively participate and affect change in their own lives.”
Why It Matters
As an independent charity, operating in South and West Devon, we’re dedicated to ensuring people’s voices are heard. We support people with learning disabilities and communication difficulties, offering:
- Statutory Advocacy – Care Act & IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy)
- General Advocacy – One-to-one, peer, and self-advocacy
- Supporting Parents – Helping parents in child protection cases and court proceedings
- Training – Life skills, relationships, employment, advocacy awareness
“The principles of empowerment and being person-led run throughout Vocal Advocacy—like the lead through a pencil.” – QPM Assessor
How We Work
We use a wide range of communication tools, aids and adaptations to support people to effectively communicate their views and wishes. We tailor our support using:
✔ Accessible language & easy-read materials
✔ Alternative communication methods
✔ Person-centred approaches to advocacy
We are committed to co-production at all levels with our members. It is vitally important to us that the people who have used our services have a say in how they are run, now and in the future.
How we work is embedded in our core values:
Empower all
Promote independence
Protect Rights
Be Inclusive
“Members who use services are involved in all areas of the organisation and there is a real sense of true coproduction and shared ownership of Vocal as an organisation” – QPM Assessor
Our People
Vocal Advocacy is powered by a small, passionate team with deep expertise in advocacy, social care, education, and training. We work closely together—and with our members—to ensure every voice is heard.
Helen
Advocacy Lead
Helen brings compassion, creativity, and a strong belief in inclusive communication to her role. She specialises in supporting individuals to express themselves in ways that truly reflect who they are—whether that’s through spoken words, video, or visual materials.
“The best thing about being an advocate is seeing the smile on someone’s face when they’ve had their voice heard—and someone has truly listened to what they want.”
Anne-Marie
Advocacy Lead (Supporting Parents)
Anne-Marie has extensive experience in social care across Devon, having spent a decade at Action for Children before leading a team at Devon Young Carers. She brings a deep understanding of child protection processes, and is a trusted source of support for parents navigating complex and often daunting systems.
“I love supporting parents when they need it most. Court and child protection proceedings can be overwhelming, and I’m passionate about standing alongside people through difficult times.”
Kate
Training Lead
Kate has a background in youth work, advocacy, and education. Her passion lies in creating inclusive learning opportunities that help individuals grow in confidence and achieve their goals. She leads on our training programmes and advocates for equity, empowerment, and change.
“I love my job because I get to support people in reaching their potential, create inclusive opportunities, and make a lasting impact on their future.”
Catherine
Chief Officer
Catherine has led Vocal Advocacy since 2011. A qualified nurse specialist with over 30 years of management experience, she has spent her career supporting people with learning disabilities—previously holding senior roles in Solihull and Northamptonshire, and working as a specialist Learning Disabilities Inspector for the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
“Every day at Vocal reminds me why this work matters. It’s a privilege to lead an organisation that puts people at the heart of everything we do.”
Governance and Quality Standards
Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees at Vocal brings a wealth of experience, expertise and qualities which they bring to the organisation.
They are dedicated to ensuring that Vocal Advocacy’s aims are achieved, and that appropriate governance, management, and direction is in place to safeguard services, while making strategic decisions that shape its future.
Quality You Can Trust
We are highly regarded for the quality of the service we provide. We work to the Advocacy Charter & Code of Practice and have twice been awarded the Quality Performance Mark (QPM) for excellence in independent advocacy.
The QPM is only awarded to organisations who can demonstrate that they provide excellent services in line with QPM standards and the advocacy charter.
‘The principles of empowerment and being person led are at the heart of Vocal Advocacy’s services. It was very impressive that everyone interviewed during the site visit highlighted how the principles of empowerment and putting people first runs throughout the organisation; like the lead through a pencil’ – QPM Assessor
Service User Engagement – Shaping the Services We Deliver
At Vocal Advocacy, we believe that the people who use our services—our members—should have a real say in how they are designed, delivered, and developed. Through genuine co-production, we ensure that lived experience sits at the heart of everything we do.
Our members, as experts by experience, contribute directly to:
- Strategic planning and governance decisions
- Operational improvements and service delivery
- Advocacy awareness campaigns and outreach
We support a range of membership groups across three locations in Devon, creating safe and inclusive spaces for people with learning disabilities to share their views, influence decisions, and help shape future services.
This isn’t just consultation—it’s shared ownership.
“Thank you for attending the meeting yesterday and supporting my family member. She is beginning to realise she does have a voice and can convey what she wants with your help.” – Parent
Get Involved
Work With Us – Explore opportunities to support our advocacy work.
Volunteer With Us – Help us make an impact in our local communities.
Become a Trustee – Share your expertise and strengthen our future strategy.