A NEW-formed service giving a voice to County Durham's disabled residents is appealing for volunteers.

An advocacy service being launched by Spiral Skills will help involve disabled people in decisions affecting their lives.

Volunteers known as Citizen Advocates partner and support a disabled person, help them make their views known, access the services they need and protect their human rights.

The advocate can help to find information about services, make phone calls, examine and explain options and speak up for their partner.

The service operates independently of other organisations and volunteers may have professional or personal experience of the problems disabled people face.

Advocacy co-ordinator Susan Newson said that experience was not necessary

"Just as important are good listening skills, concern about human rights, a belief in a fairer society and confidence about challenging the accepted view of things," she said.

Volunteers are trained and supported and receive generous expenses.

For information, contact Spiral Skills through Susan Newson or Lee Wyman at the group's office in Salters House, Sedgefield, on (01740) 625225.