Havant & East Hants

Community Advocacy 

It can be hard to tell others if you are concerned about your treatment or care whilst using mental health services. An advocate can help you either by supporting you when you wish to voice your concerns, or by representing your concerns if you feel unable to do so.

All Mind advocacy services operate independently of the mental health or social services. You will be listened to and treated with respect. The service offers you the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence about issues relating to your treatment. We do not share information with other agencies without your permission unless you or someone else is at risk.

We will not tell you what to do or make judgements but help you to make choices and say what you want from services.

The Community Advocacy Service can help you to:

• ask questions
• be heard and say what you want to say
• be included in the decision making process
• understand your options and make choices
• be treated with respect and as an equal
• know your rights

A Community Advocate can:

• support and/or represent you at meetings, care planning meetings or doctors appointments
• help you to access mental health services or help refer you to other professionals i.e. solicitors or debt advisors
• provide information about community care and other support
• help you challenge a decision about your treatment or care
• help you to make a complaint