Joe puts his best foot forward for Speakup Self Advocacy

A YOUNG man with learning disabilities who acts as an advocate to help himself and others “speak up” is taking part in a marathon sponsored walk this weekend.

Joe Atkinson (24), of Swinton, belongs to Speakup Self Advocacy, an organisation which helps advocates in the Yorkshire and Humber region to speak up for themselves and others.

Their opinions also help shape and influence services such as the NHS and transport and Speakup has organised forums as well as having representatives on different council sub-groups and the adult and social health scrutiny panel.

The organisation has also trained public sector bodies such as the police and doctors’ surgery staff.

Joe and his personal assistant, Paul Phillips, will be completing the sponsored walk round Rother Valley Country Park tomorrow.

The pair are aiming to walk 26 miles or about eight or nine laps around the park. Other Speakup self advocates will join Joe and Paul, walking in groups and starting in different places, so that the two of them will not be walking alone.

They are aiming to do two laps around the park or up to five miles.

Last year, Speakup held a raffle and raised more than £2,000 and the sponsorship from this weekend’s walk will be used to help with employment and work-based opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism.