An Advocate can offer support in a number of ways, including:

• Accompanying you to any meetings with a Health Professional or Social Services, such as your GP, Psychiatrist, CPN or Social Worker.
• Assist you in accessing Secondary Mental Health Services or any other Services relevant to your care needs.
• Accompanying you to meetings whilst you are an inpatient including Ward Rounds, Formulation Meetings, CPA meetings, Mental Health Review Tribunals or Assessments.
• Helping you understand your rights if you are detained under the Mental Health Act.
• Accessing information on medication and diagnosis.
• Advocate for you in areas of mental health discrimination including employment, education, access to services or housing.
• Make contact, on your behalf, with any organisation or services involved in your care.
• Make complaints, on your behalf, to mental health services, social services, the police, voluntary and/or other organisations.
• Advocate for you in safeguarding children issues.
• Accompanying you and providing support at Benefit Medicals, Appeals or Tribunals.
• When trying to find suitable housing in a place where you would like to live or resolving any issues with your current accommodation or a housing association.
• Provide support with any criminal convictions or court appearances
• Finding appropriate advice regarding welfare benefits or debt management.
• Signpost or refer you to other agencies where needed.

An Advocate will be available to help you with any issue that is causing distress and impacting upon your mental health.
The service we provide for you will be person centered and confidential. We will respect your wishes at all times and, providing you are not at risk, only act as directed by you.

We will help you to identify all your options and seek a satisfactory outcome to your problem.