Advocacy

  • Author: L Kelly
  • Level: Introduction
  • Study time: 1 hour 11 minutes
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Lesson series
Advocacy is about standing alongside people so their mana, rights, and voices are seen, heard, and respected. In care work, this can be part of everyday moments, noticing when something does not feel right, supporting someone to speak up, or speaking up with them when needed. In this course, you will explore what advocacy looks like in practice, the different ways it can show up, and the role you play as a support worker. You will build understanding of rights in healthcare, and learn how to support people to make informed choices in ways that protect their dignity, autonomy, and mana.
  • Video time: 1 hour 11 minutes
  • Quiz: 1
  • Assessment: 1
Lesson series

Why this course is important?


Advocacy ensures people have a voice in decisions affecting them. This course explores self-advocacy, professional advocacy, and crisis support, along with legal frameworks and ethical considerations. You’ll learn how to support individuals in making informed choices while respecting their rights and dignity. Effective advocacy empowers individuals to take control of their lives, making it a critical skill in healthcare and support services.
Meet the instructor

Roxane McLellan

Roxane is a New Zealand Registered Nurse with decades of experience supporting older adults and people with disabilities. Her early training focused on young people with physical disabilities, and over her career she has worked across a wide range of care environments, including continuing care hospitals, rest homes, and dementia-specific services.

Roxane has held leadership roles in both public and private settings, including as a facility manager and lecturer for undergraduate nursing students. She brings deep clinical knowledge, a calm presence, and a strong commitment to person-centred care.
Patrick Jones - Course author