What you said

Why might people avoid using advocacy services?
not comfortable with other people, feel silly, power of other people - particularly professionals, intimidated, past experience, danger, fear, no help in the past, being judged, in a rut, choice, it's your idea - not theirs, peer pressure, fear of the worst situation, upset and can't understand what you are saying, other people - parents, peers.

Ways to overcome this issue
offer to go with them, information, education, talking and listening, finding out why, give examples, highlight choices - what could happen, giving them the power to complain if it goes wrong, empowerment, explaining your role, advocacy, giving them skills to get what they want or need (communication), removing your opinions from the conversation.

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