Our Charity. Our Community.
Helping adults across the UK get the right support at the right time — especially when navigating life after trauma, late diagnosis, or crisis.
The Advocacy Bridge is here to join the dots, cut through the noise, and make sure no one slips through the cracks
Who We Are
The Advocacy Bridge CIC is a not-for-profit organisation helping people who are stuck, overwhelmed, or facing barriers to move forward.
We step in when life feels like a maze — offering guidance, advocacy, and practical support to help people access what they need.
Who Its For
We support individuals, families, professionals, and community organisations across the UK.
Whether you’re the one stuck or trying to help someone else — we’re here to bridge the gap.
WHAT WE DO
We support individuals across the UK who are:
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In crisis, stuck in systems, or falling through the gaps
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Newly navigating housing, mental health, legal or employment challenges
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Late-diagnosed as neurodivergent and now struggling with life admin, paperwork, or decision paralysis
We also work with services and organisations to:
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Bridge the gap between what’s offered and what people actually need
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Spot and solve what’s being missed — calmly, clearly, and without blame
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Create more inclusive systems, pathways, and communications
How We Help
✅ One-to-one support to help you navigate complex systems
✅ Step-by-step guidance to access housing, benefits, services, and rights
✅ Advocacy and follow-up when you’re not being heard
✅ Feedback and consulting for professionals and providers
✅ Easy-to-understand resources and support pathways
✅ Referrals to trusted coaches, counsellors, and specialists
📍 Based in Sheffield — Supporting people UK-wide
🔗 Need help or want to refer someone? Get in touch for a no-pressure chat.
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteer with The Advocacy Bridge – helping adults across the UK navigate crisis, neurodivergence, and access to life-changing support
Call 01709 262005 Or Email: info@michelleshaw.co.uk to get Involved
🌱 Volunteer Program
Be the Bridge.
We’re building a team of everyday heroes — people who want to stand beside those navigating crisis, confusion, or transition. Whether you’re great at listening, supporting, signposting, or simply showing up — we need you.
No formal qualifications required — just heart, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
👉 Express interest at: info@michelleshaw.co.uk
🤝 Sponsor Program
Partner With Us to Power Change.
Your sponsorship directly supports real people who’ve been left behind by the system. From covering advocacy hours to funding community resources, every contribution creates impact.
We welcome one-off donations, monthly sponsors, and organisational partners who share our vision for accessible, inclusive support.
💡 Let’s talk about how your brand or organisation can be part of this work.
💛 Charity Fund / Community Support Fund
The Advocacy Bridge Support Fund
Not everyone can afford the help they need — and they shouldn’t have to.
Our fund exists to make sure no one is turned away due to cost. 100% of donations go directly towards providing free or subsidised advocacy, navigation, or emergency support.
📌 Want to donate or raise funds on our behalf? We’d love to hear from you.
What We Do
We support individuals across the UK who are:
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In crisis, stuck in systems, or falling through the gaps
-
Newly navigating housing, mental health, legal or employment challenges
-
Late-diagnosed as neurodivergent and now struggling with life admin, paperwork, or decision paralysis
We also work with services and organisations to:
-
Bridge the gap between what’s offered and what people actually need
-
Spot and solve what’s being missed — calmly, clearly, and without blame
-
Create more inclusive systems, pathways, and communications
“I didn’t need another leaflet or a helpline. I needed someone who could actually walk me through what to do next. Michelle didn’t just listen — she helped me make sense of everything and took practical steps with me. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her.”
“Before The Advocacy Bridge, I felt invisible. Services were bouncing me around, and no one really understood what I was going through. Michelle saw the full picture — and she helped me feel human again.”
“I’d been trying to get support for months. Within one week of connecting with Michelle, things started moving. She knew who to speak to, how to ask, and what to say in a way that got results.”
🧭 Our Story
The Advocacy Bridge CIC was created out of necessity — not just as an idea, but as a response to lived experience.
Too often, people in crisis or transition find themselves lost in a maze of services, forms, and gatekeeping. Systems meant to support them are too complex, too stretched, or too slow to respond — especially for those who’ve always managed on their own… until they can’t anymore.
Our founder, Michelle Shaw, saw this first-hand — not just through personal challenges, but in the gaps she consistently found while helping others navigate support. She became the one people called when they didn’t know who else to turn to.
The Advocacy Bridge now formalises what she was already doing — showing up, breaking things down, advocating clearly, and helping people move forward when everything felt stuck.
We work with:
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People who are overwhelmed, stuck, or slipping through the cracks
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Those newly navigating a mental health diagnosis, neurodivergence, or sudden life changes
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Professionals and organisations who want to offer truly inclusive, responsive services — but don’t always know how
Our approach is practical, relational, and non-judgemental. We don’t replicate existing services — we connect them, translate them, and make them work for real people in real life.
Because everyone deserves someone in their corner — especially when the system doesn’t see them.
Testimonials from Professionals / Organisations
“Michelle is the bridge between intention and delivery. Where services often miss the mark, she steps in and ensures people aren’t left behind.”
“She brings clarity, compassion, and accountability — not just for the people she supports, but for the professionals around them too. She challenges gently but effectively, always in service of the person at the centre.”
“Our staff learned so much just by watching how she worked. She holds space with calm confidence, and builds trust faster than any ‘service user engagement’ strategy we’ve ever tried.”
Become a Volunteer Today
Be the reason someone finds a way forward.
At The Advocacy Bridge, we support people who are falling through the cracks — those overwhelmed, misunderstood, or facing life transitions with no clear path. Our volunteers are a vital part of that mission.
Whether you have time, lived experience, practical skills, or just a heart for helping, there’s a role for you. You don’t need formal qualifications — just patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn.
💬 Roles may include:
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One-to-one check-ins
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Admin or systems support
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Signposting and research help
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Event or outreach support
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Lived experience contributions
We offer flexible roles, clear guidance, and the chance to make a tangible difference.
👉 Join us today.
Let’s build a bridge where others only see barriers.
Helping Adults All Over the UK
To navigate life’s toughest systems — with clarity, compassion, and real-world support.
The Advocacy Bridge exists to support people in crisis, transition, or recovery — especially those who’ve fallen through the gaps. From late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults to individuals facing barriers in housing, healthcare, legal services, or work — we help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to take your next step.
Whether we’re translating complex systems, connecting you with the right people, or simply walking alongside you as you figure things out — we’re here. You don’t have to do this alone.
Featured Foundation Sponsors
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