OLDER PERSONS MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY

Type of Service

The service at present is mainly issue based with short term involvement. The Advocates’ role is not to advise but to explore options and provide information and support, including awareness of clients’ rights. The service is not specifically for clients with dementia it also provides general advocacy.

Advocacy differs from most other services as it works on wishes and feelings of the client rather than best interests. Although best interests may be used in cases where wishes and feelings cannot be established due to dementia, incapacity or disability.

By exploring options with clients they often come to see that the best option is right for them, but of their choice.

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.

Our Commitment to Confidentiality

Information given to the 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 their offices.

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