How Can You Connect with an Advocate?
Navigating the maze of mental health can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go it alone. Here's how you can find the right advocate for your needs :
- Mind Infoline : A quick call can provide you with a list of local advocacy services.
- Rethink Mental Illness : Their website features a UK-wide directory of advocacy services.
- In England : Groups like VoiceAbility and POhWER offer services in many localities. Reach out to see if they serve your area.
- In Wales : Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) specialises in mental health advocacy.
- For those in need of legal advocacy, check out our section on statutory advocacy for more details.
Find Help
Need a hand with something? Search by name or pick a category from the dropdown to find the resources you're after.
Questions to Pose to Your Advocate
It's crucial that you're at ease with your advocate. Here are some questions to consider asking:
- What's your experience in mental health advocacy?
- Do you specialise in any particular area of mental health?
- How do you stay updated on laws and policies that might affect me?
- What's your approach to advocacy? Are you more hands-on or do you guide from the sidelines?
- Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
- How do you handle conflicts of interest?
- What's your availability during emergencies or crises?
- Do you collaborate with other professionals, like my healthcare providers, if needed?
- How long does it typically take for you to respond to emails or messages?
- What's the process for ending our advocacy relationship if it's not working out?
- Do you charge any fees, or are your services free?
- How do you ensure cultural sensitivity or inclusivity in your advocacy?
- What's your policy on following up after our advocacy relationship ends?