Barbara McKenzie; Dunfermline Advocacy DVD and beyond

The speakers for the club meeting 21/07/15 featured Dunfermline Advocacy (Barbra Mackenzie, and Elyse Kirkham) who eventually managed to show the RCWF-sponsored film of their excellent work.

The film has already proven useful by increasing recruitment of volunteer advocates and sponsors offering help and donations, after having viewed it on-line. The concept of advocacy is explained clearly on the film, with credit featured for sponsorship by West Fife Rotary Club. Life quality has vastly improved for many disadvantaged local people who were previously incarcerated in Lynburn Hospital wards, but now live in the community flats supported by advocates and enjoy the freedom and friendship provided. Interestingly, there has been benefit when young mentally incapacitated children have been placed in schools and mix in playgrounds with normal children. Sign language is adopted by the normal children to understand when and where their incapacitated playmates wish the wheelchair to be moved, including them in their games and play. The work of Dunfermline Advocacy has been recognised by a Queen`s award given to very few organisations as recognition of effectiveness in the community.     Sadly, their funding provided by the NHS and Council is under threat, along with many other cutbacks.

Robert Haig, who has been highly involved with the project, gave the VOT.

You can view this moving and well constructed film by following this link :

http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=517958&ClubID=61&Mp=246576