What is Advocacy?
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Encouraging people to speak for themselves
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Being included in the decision-making process
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Being treated equally
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Challenging assumptions
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Explaining your rights
How can Advocacy help?
Sometimes people find it difficult to express concerns about their treatment or care while they are in hospital or living in the community. It can be particularly difficult if you are on a ‘section’ or if this is your first time in hospital.
However, you have the right to be heard; your opinions should be listened to by the professional staff.
An advocate can help you either by supporting you when you wish to voice your concerns or by representing your concerns if you feel you are unable to do so.
The Advocacy Service operates independently of the mental health services. You will be listened to and treated with respect.
It offers you the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence about issues relating to your treatment.
How does it work?Advocates work as instructed by the client. We therefore work differently according to the needs and wishes of our individual clients. Some common examples of advocacy work include:
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Listening to you and helping you have your voice heard. Empowering you to speak for yourself.
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Supporting you, at ward rounds and Care Programme Approach meetings
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Supporting you when discussing your treatment plan with your doctors and nurses or social workers
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Providing clear information about rights, medication and any aspect of treatment while in hospital.
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Supporting you in gaining legal advice and representation if necessary.
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Signposting you to other services who can provide support to meet your needs.
As the Advocates work as instructed by the individual, consent from that individual is required when making a referral on their behalf.
The Advocacy Service aims to promote the interests and rights of anyone residing and receiving support funded through Croydon who may be suffering from mental health problems.
The Advocacy Service (including IMHA) is an independent organisation funded by NHS Croydon and managed by Mind in Croydon.
Independent Advocates
If a person does not meet the above criteria for our advocacy service, an Independent Advocate is available on a spot purchase arrangement. Please contact 0208 763 6730 for more information.
Care Act Advocacy
An Independent Advocate can support a person involved with:
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a needs assessment
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a carer's assessment
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the preparation of a care and support plan
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a review of a care and support plan
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a safeguarding enquiry or safeguarding adult review
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a child's transition into adult service assessment
Exceptions
An Independent Advocate can also be involved with the following two issues even if there is an appropriate person:
If there is a disagreement between the local authority and the appropriate person and they both agree that an Independent Advocate would be in the best interests of that individual.
An NHS body has made arrangements for the person to be accommodated in a hospital for 28 days or more or a care home for 8 weeks or longer AND the local authority is satisfied that it would be in the best interests of the person to receive Independent Advocacy.
Address:
26 Pampisford Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 2NE
Disabled access:
Our premises are not fully accessible we do have limited access. For more information please call 020 8668 2210
How to apply:
Yourself, family, friends, health staff and voluntary organisations can make a referral with consent from the individual wishing to use the advocacy service. Call, email or write to us.
Buses:
Two buses run along Pampisford Road: 405 and 455. Many buses run along Brighton Road: 407, 166, 60 and 466
Train/tube:
Nearest station: Purley
Parking:
There is no car parking available