AN OXFORD charity which helps disadvantaged people in communities across the county get their voices heard has won a national award.

Getting Heard has been awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark for providing 'essential' support to people trying to more control over their own lives.

The Barton-based service, formerly known as Oxfordshire Advocacy, has 50 advocates who help vulnerable people champion their rights.

Advocates do not tell clients what to do, give their own opinions or offer advice, but simply tell them their options and rights.

Charity director Helen Evans said she was delighted to get the recognition, especially as it was the first time the charity had been recognised for a national award.

She added: "Everyone really pulled together.

"There has been quite a lot of self-assessment and putting in action plans. It's quite rigorous."

Ms Evans said it was a bonus that the charity could go to other organisations with the award and show it was 'working to the best standards in advocacy practice'.

Created in 1989, the charity has ten staff and is funded by Oxfordshire County Council, the Older People's Advocacy Alliance and voluntary grants.

Based in the Barton Neighbourhood Centre in Underhill Circus, it currently has about 50 volunteer advocates to help those in need in the community.

It regularly makes appeals for more trustees and volunteers to join the group to help others in their communities.

The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark is awarded by not-for-profit social rights consultancy 'National Development Team for Inclusion' (NDTi).

The organisation's awards manager Gail Petty said the accolade recognised that Getting Heard was providing an 'excellent service' to people in challenging situations.

She said: "The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark is only awarded to advocacy organisations who can demonstrate that they are providing excellent services to people often experiencing challenging situations in their lives.

"It indicates that they have the training and policies in place to ensure people’s rights are upheld and their preferences are heard and responded to."

To apply to become a trustee or volunteer visit gettingheard.org/volunteer