We all know how frustrating it can be when people aren’t listening to us. Unfortunately, having a mental health problem can sometimes mean it’s even harder to have your opinions and ideas taken seriously by others.
This can be very difficult to deal with, especially when you need to communicate often with health and social care professionals. You might find they don’t always offer you all the opportunities and choices you would like, or involve you fully in decisions about your care.
Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes, and help you stand up for your rights. Someone who helps you in this way is called your advocate.
Provide information about your legal rights and support you to use them
· Defend and promote your rights for you when you can’t
· Accompany you to meetings and support you
· Explore options and choices in your care so you make informed decisions
· Help you speak up and self-advocate
· Listen to your views and concerns
What an Independent Advocate won’t do:
· Give you a personal opinion
· Make decisions for you
· Make judgements about you
Our Independent Advocates work in the community for adults (18+) living within the London Borough of Ealing. We provide non-statutory advocacy for issues relating to care and treatment.
Over 18
Living in Ealing