Advocacy can be helpful when you are finding it difficult to make your views known. There are different sorts of advocates available depending on the type of support you currently receive:
- If you are under the care of a community mental health team you can access an independent advocate through your care coordinator.
- If you are placed on certain sections of the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended by the 2007 Act, you have the right to an independent mental health advocate. Please contact your local Primary Care Trust.
- If you or someone you know has mental health problems, and lacks capacity, you have a right to receive support from an independent mental capacity advocate. If you live in north Essex you can get in touch with an independent advocate by contacting Age Concern. If you live in south Essex you can contact Together: working for well-being.
For more information on the Mental Capacity Act please visit our
carers pages.