Supporting people, professionals, and organisations to move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and connection.

People shouldn't have to prove their worth, learn how to ask for help, navigate complex systems, or wait for services to catch up before they can access the support they need.

Why Advocacy Bridge Exists

 

Advocacy Bridge exists to build a community of people, organisations, professionals, funders, and lived-experience voices committed to ensuring vulnerable people are heard, seen, held, valued, and met where they are—with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Together, we work to remove barriers, amplify voices, protect rights, and create pathways to support, safety, and self-determination.

Too often, people are expected to prove their worth, learn how to ask for help, and navigate systems that were not designed with their needs in mind before they can access the support they need.

Advocacy Bridge exists to help bridge that gap.

We believe people shouldn’t have to face difficult situations alone, wait until they reach crisis point, or lose confidence in themselves before support becomes available.

Our aim is simple:

To help people access the right support, at the right level, at the right time.

By standing alongside people, strengthening communication, supporting informed decision-making, and helping people understand their options, we work to ensure individuals feel heard, seen, valued, and better able to move forward.

Our Approach

Advocacy Bridge provides structured, consent-led support that is collaborative, processing-aware, neurodivergent-informed, and focused on participation, communication, and accessibility.

We recognise that many systems rely on sustained organisation, communication, executive functioning, and processing capacity. During periods of stress, overwhelm, burnout, illness, disability, or increased life demands, these demands can become difficult to manage alone.

Our approach is informed by both professional experience and lived experience of neurodivergence and disability. We understand how overwhelming systems, decisions, communication, and day-to-day responsibilities can feel when things are unclear, unsupported, or moving too quickly.

Because of this, we work at a pace that is appropriate to the individual, providing structure, clarity, and practical support to help create calmer, more manageable pathways forward.

We aim to:

• Break complex situations into clear, manageable steps

• Present information in a structured and accessible way

• Repeat, clarify, or reframe information where helpful and without judgement

• Focus on realistic, achievable next steps that support progress without creating unnecessary overwhelm

• Use tools such as written notes, recordings, summaries, and structured follow-up to support continuity and understanding

• Help turn thoughts, concerns, and ideas into practical actions

• Support individuals to participate more effectively in decisions, conversations, and systems that affect their lives

    Following the initial enquiry, we may work with the individual and, where appropriate, those involved in their support, to build a fuller understanding of the situation, identify priorities and needs, and explore possible options moving forward.

    Funding & Payment Options

    Support may be funded through private self-funding arrangements, Direct Payments, Personal Budgets, local authority commissioning, or other agreed funding arrangements where appropriate.

    Funding arrangements and eligibility requirements vary depending on individual circumstances and are discussed as part of the enquiry and assessment process.

    Please note that submitting an enquiry does not guarantee that Advocacy Bridge will be able to provide ongoing support.

    Before any support can be offered, we may need to consider factors such as the nature of the request, whether it falls within our scope of service, current availability and capacity, funding arrangements, and whether Advocacy Bridge is likely to be the most appropriate service for the individual’s needs.

    Where we are unable to offer ongoing support, we will aim to provide information, signposting, or alternative options where appropriate.

    The Advocacy Bridge Journey

    Is Advocacy Bridge Right for You?

    Advocacy Bridge May Be Suited For

    Advocacy Bridge may be helpful for individuals who:

    • Need support understanding, navigating, or communicating with services and systems

    • Would benefit from additional structure, organisation, coordination, or follow-through

    • Feel overwhelmed by forms, paperwork, meetings, processes, or decision-making

    • Experience barriers relating to communication, processing, executive functioning, accessibility, disability, neurodivergence, mental health, or life circumstances

    • Need support preparing for, attending, or following up from meetings, assessments, reviews, or important conversations

    • Require advocacy, guidance, practical support, or assistance understanding available options

    • Would benefit from short-term support around a specific issue or longer-term support involving ongoing advocacy and coordination

    Advocacy Bridge May Not Be the Best Fit For

    Advocacy Bridge may not be the most appropriate service where:

    • The primary need is legal representation or specialist legal advice

    • Emergency, crisis, safeguarding, medical, or mental health intervention is required

    • The individual is seeking clinical, therapeutic, counselling, or healthcare services

    • The requested support falls outside our scope of service, expertise, or capacity

    • Another organisation, specialist service, statutory service, or professional is better placed to provide the required support

    Where Advocacy Bridge is unable to provide support, we will aim to explain why and, where appropriate, provide information about alternative services, organisations, or support pathways.

    What Happens After You Contact Us?

    Once we receive an enquiry or referral, we will review the information provided and make contact using the preferred communication method wherever possible.

    We may arrange a follow-up conversation to better understand the situation, current support in place, communication needs, and whether Advocacy Bridge is likely to be an appropriate fit.

    Some situations are straightforward, while others may require additional conversations, documents, or clarification before next steps can be identified.

    📨 We review your enquiry or referral.

    💬 We make contact using your preferred communication method.

    🔍 We gather any additional information needed.

    🧭 We explore possible options and next steps.

    🤝 Where appropriate, we discuss support arrangements.

    As Featured in Your Autism Magazine

    Michelle Shaw, Founder of Advocacy Bridge, was featured in the Spring edition of Your Autism magazine with her article “Navigating Burnout and Reduced Capacity.”

    Drawing on both professional and lived experience, Michelle explores how burnout, fluctuating capacity, and overwhelm can affect autistic adults, alongside practical strategies for navigating periods of reduced capacity with greater understanding and self-compassion.

    Key Topics Discussed

    • Burnout and reduced capacity

    • Executive functioning and processing demands

    • Communication, accessibility, and support needs

    • Self-compassion and realistic expectations

    • Sustainable approaches to everyday life

    Why Advocacy Bridge Was Created

    The experiences discussed in this article reflect many of the challenges faced by the individuals who contact Advocacy Bridge.

    Our work is built around helping people navigate systems, communicate effectively, access support, and move forward in ways that are realistic, manageable, and tailored to their circumstances.

    Stories, self-publishing, creativity, and the journeys that shape us

    Welcome to a growing series of local author talks taking place across libraries in and around Rotherham.

    These talks are warm, reflective, down-to-earth conversations exploring storytelling, publishing, creativity, confidence, reinvention, and the unexpected paths life can take.

    Michelle Shaw shares her experiences of collaborating on and publishing her own book in 2013, inspired by her years working aboard cruise ships around the world.

    Rather than formal lectures or polished performances, these events are designed to feel human, welcoming, and accessible — creating space for real stories, lived experience, humour, honesty, and conversation.

    A Conversation From Both Sides of Publishing

    These events are co-hosted alongside Michelle’s traditionally published author friend, Kim Harford, author of I Killed Lucy, offering an open and honest conversation about two very different journeys into publishing, writing, and storytelling.

    Together, attendees gain insight into:

    • self-publishing vs traditional publishing
    • collaboration and creativity
    • the realities of writing and sharing a story
    • confidence and vulnerability in putting work out into the world
    • the emotional side of authorship and identity
    • what happens behind the scenes of publishing

    Rather than presenting a single “right” way, these talks aim to show that there are many different paths into writing, storytelling, publishing, and creative expression.

    The overall focus is not just on books — but on voice, lived experience, and the stories people carry through life.

    Topics may include:

    • life and work aboard cruise ships
    • collaborating on and publishing a book
    • creativity and self-expression
    • confidence and finding your voice
    • late diagnosis and identity
    • reinvention later in life
    • burnout, rebuilding, and personal growth
    • the stories people carry but rarely share aloud

    Whether you come to listen quietly, meet others, reflect on your own experiences, or explore ideas for your own creative journey — you are warmly welcome.

    Upcoming Events

    📚 Rotherham Library Author Talk Series

    Date Location Time Booking Information
    Tuesday 2nd June 2026 Kiveton Park Library 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Call: 01909 771823
    Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Aston Library 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Call: 01709 254134
    Thursday 11th June 2026 Rawmarsh Library 2:00 pm Call: 01709 255682
    Thursday 11th June 2026 Kimberworth Library 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm Call: 01709 558581
    Tuesday 16th June 2026 Dinnington Library 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Call: 01909 334426
    Thursday 2nd July 2026 Greasbrough Library 4:00 pm Call: 01709 551477

    If you would like to attend any of these events, please call the respective library directly to secure your place, as spaces may be limited.

    (Additional events and venues will be added as dates are confirmed.)

    What To Expect

    These sessions are intentionally designed to feel more relaxed and accessible than traditional speaking events.

    There is no expectation to speak publicly, participate, network, or share personal experiences.

    You are welcome to:

    • sit quietly and listen
    • attend alone
    • ask questions if comfortable
    • take breaks if needed
    • leave early if overwhelmed
    • simply enjoy being in the room

    Each event may flow slightly differently depending on the audience, venue, and conversation.

    The overall aim is to create spaces where people feel able to reflect, connect, feel inspired, and realise their stories and experiences matter too.

    About Michelle Shaw

    Michelle Shaw is a Rotherham-based self-published author, speaker, DJ, coach, advocate and creative facilitator.

    In 2013, Michelle collaborated on and published a book inspired by hers and others experiences working aboard cruise ships around the world.

    Her work today explores storytelling, identity, creativity, confidence, reinvention, and the emotional journeys people often go through quietly behind the scenes.

    Michelle is especially passionate about helping people feel seen, heard, and encouraged to reconnect with their voice, creativity, and life experiences — particularly those who discovered themselves later in life.

    Her talks combine humour, honesty, warmth, storytelling, and real-life reflections in a way that feels welcoming and relatable to everyday audiences.

    Exploring Your Own Story

    For some people, these talks may also spark reflections about their own life experiences, untold stories, creative ideas, or the journey that shaped who they are today.

    Michelle also offers gentle, reflective coaching conversations for individuals who feel there may be a story within them they would like to explore further — whether for personal reflection, legacy, creative expression, healing, speaking, blogging, podcasting, or future writing projects.

    You do not need to be a writer, expert, or published author.

    Sometimes people simply need:

    • space to reflect
    • someone to help untangle their experiences
    • confidence to begin
    • or permission to believe their story matters too

    These conversations are designed to feel supportive, collaborative, and grounded in real life rather than pressure or performance.

    Looking For Future Story Collaborators

    Alongside these talks, Michelle is also interested in connecting with late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults — particularly people in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond — whose stories, reflections, experiences, or life journeys deserve to be seen, heard, documented, or shared.

    Not everyone wants to write a book alone.

    Some people simply need:

    • someone to listen
    • help shaping their story
    • creative collaboration
    • confidence to begin
    • or reassurance that their experiences matter

    Michelle is especially interested in connecting with people who:

    • discovered neurodivergence later in life
    • reinvented themselves after burnout or major life changes
    • lived unconventional lives or careers
    • spent years masking or surviving silently
    • want to leave behind something meaningful for future generations
    • feel they have a story inside them but do not know where to begin

    This is not about perfection, expertise, or polished writing.

    It is about preserving voices, experiences, wisdom, humanity, and lived history that too often goes undocumented.

    If this resonates with you, Michelle would love to hear from you.

    Accessibility & Environment

    Michelle understands that attending events can sometimes feel overwhelming or intimidating.

    Where possible, these talks aim to provide:

    • welcoming and low-pressure environments
    • clear information in advance
    • relaxed participation expectations
    • spaces where people can simply attend as themselves

    Invite Michelle To Speak

    Michelle is available for:

    • library talks
    • author conversations
    • community storytelling events
    • wellbeing and recovery conversations
    • neurodiversity events
    • creative confidence talks
    • podcasts and panel discussions

    To enquire about future talks, collaborations, or speaking opportunities:

    📧 info@michelleshaw.co.uk or start a conversation here

    📍 Based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire

    Stay Updated

    Additional talks, workshops, collaborations, and community conversations will be added throughout the year.