Advocacy

What is advocacy ?

It can be hard to tell people if you are concerned about your treatment while you are in hospital or while using any other mental health service

An advocate can help you to:

Be included in the decision making process
Challenge assumptions
Be treated with respect and as an equal
Advocacy can help you by offering independent information , support and advice
Can advise you about your rights
Can offer representation , assist in making complaints and if you are being kept in hospital under a section of the Mental Health Act we can help you appeal against this

Bristol Mind advocates are

Independent - of other services . Our services are not part of health or social services and the advocacy, information and support we provide are independent
Confidential—we do not share information about you with other services without permission unless you or other people are at risk
Empowering—We do not make judgements about your choices but we can help you understand your options and help you say what you want to service providers

How does advocacy work ?

Advocates may for instance

Be there to listen to you . You can talk things through with an independent person . They can also help you make other people listen to your opinion
Offer support and representations at meeting such as ward rounds , CPA meetings , manager hearings and Mental Health review tribunals , or when you talk to your nurse doctor or social worker
Advocates can help you access other services such and solicitors and legal representation
Provide independent information about your treatment options your rights while in hospital and right to community aftercare
Offer guidance and support with regard to formal procedures such as access to medical records and complaints procedures