Speak Out started in 1994 and registered as a charity in 1999. It has grown from one member of staff to a team of 7 staff offering a wide range of advocacy to around 200 people each year. Aims: Help people with learning disabilities to claim their rights, and develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to make choices and take control of their lives. Help people with learning disabilities to get support to speak up and be listened to. Help people to work with services to help them change in a way that people with learning disabilities want. Help the needs of people with learning disabilities to be included in local policies and public service plans.