Advocacy

The services we offer are free and independent of any NHS or Local Authority direction. We support individuals or a group to express themselves working only to the individual patients direction, we represent their views. We believe in equality, social inclusion and social justice - we specifically are able to help people often disadvantaged.

The Purpose of Advocacy

Advocacy is a way of empowering people. It helps them express their personal views and needs so that they can get their rights and entitlements. Advocacy also assists people to make informed choices by offering them the information they need.

Montgomeryshire Mental Health Advocates

When you first make contact with one of our Mental Health Advocates, they will listen to you to find out what is needed to ease the situation. They will discuss with you what your options are and how you wish to proceed.

They will not proceed without your consent.

Whatever your needs, your opinions and feelings will be respected and treated confidentially. The Advocate will not judge you or patronise you.

Our Mental Health Advocates will support you

Meetings with mental health professionals from Health or Social Services can seem daunting. Our Advocates can support you at Ward Rounds, Care Programme Approach Reviews, Social Services Assessments, Mental Health Act Tribunals and Reviews, and other meetings such as appointments with GPs and Psychiatrists.

You can talk with the Advocates wherever it is right for you

Our Commitment to Confidentiality

Information given to the Montgomeryshire Mental Health Advocacy Service is held in the strictest confidence.

Our Availability

If you think you might benefit from talking to an Advocate you can contact us directly - you do not need to be referred by another agency.

If you work in mental health and know of someone who would like to use our services, you can refer them to us.

Calls are normally taken between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. An answering machine is in operation outside these times or when the line is busy. You can also contact us by letter or by making an appointment to meet the Advocate at the office.

Brecknock & Radnorshire CHC		Montgomery CHC
	2nd Floor 2 The Struet Brecon Powys LD3 7LH		Ladywell House Newtown Powys SY16 1JB
	01874 624206		01686 627632