Advocates see gaps for adults at risk

A merger of two organisations working to protect the interests of adults with intellectual disabilities will provide stronger support for people at risk from abuse, harm and neglect. The merger will also build pressure for a mechanism to safeguard adults between the ages of 18 and 64.

In 2019 the Personal Advocacy Trust (PAT) and the Safeguarding Adults from Abuse (SAFA) collective joined forces to strengthen the advocacy and safeguarding services on offer to adults. The merged organisation is called the Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust (PASAT).

Since January 2019, PASAT has had enquiries or referrals from 50 adults at risk.

Erika Butters, PASAT National Advocacy Director, manages the advocacy side of the organisation, which now includes short-term advocacy and supported decision-making among the services it offers.

Sue Hobbs, Safeguarding Adults National Director, manages the safeguarding response, which now extends beyond Auckland, and has widened to include services alongside advice.

Erika says the new organisation will be able to gather evidence of support needs to take to Government. “The partnership has broadened the scope to do more, to help more. The trustees are not looking for business opportunities, they are recognising the need and responding to need,” she says.

Funding from the IHC Foundation supported the redevelopment of PAT and the subsequent merger of the organisation with SAFA.

This story was published in the IHC magazine Community Moves. Read more.