It can often seem too much to pursue a complaint when you're not feeling well, so it really makes a difference when you find someone to help you, such as an advocate. It's worth remembering that making a complaint is actually a service to other people, there may be other service users in a similar situation and the service providers need your feedback in order to improve and provide good quality services.
An advocate is someone who is able to help you find out information you need, such as legal rights and treatment options and can accompany you to meetings, e.g. with your consultant to represent your views to other people. They are independent, trained, and often have had experience of mental health services themselves. They may work on a paid or voluntary basis.
Bristol Mind is able to provide several advocacy services
Bath Mind 13 Abbey Church Yard, Bath , BA1 1LY Mon. – Fri. 9am – 5pm 01225 464 656
Care Forum Advocacy Services for South Gloucestershire A full
advocacy service for people with mental illness / difficulties.
We support people both in hospital and in the community. Tel : 0117 9589331
Bristol & District People First (learning difficulties self advocacy) Unit 35, Easton Business Centre, Felix Rd, BS5 0EH 0117 941 5842 peoplefirst.Bristol@virgin.net
Social Services Complaints Procedure Advocacy (CPA) - if you wish to make a complaint about the Social Services, either about a service you have received or been refused, you can get support and advocacy from the Care Forum. For more information telephone : 0117 9654444 or look at their website : www.thecareforum.org
A list of Solicitors Specialising in Mental Health.
National Mind provide a series of links and information on legal issues surrounding mental health including
Factsheets and Frequently Asked Questions