Advocacy helps empower people to stand up for themselves. Advocacy becomes really important  when we feel we are not being listened to and our views or wishes are not being taken seriously. Advocacy is about having someone supporting you and helping you to find a voice to be heard. This service is for Uttlesford residents only.

Advocacy helps people to:

• Gain and understand information regarding their situation.
• Make informed choices about possible options.
• Communicate their needs and wishes.
• Participate as fully as possible in decisions affecting them.
• Access and services that they are entitled to.
• Feel that they are not alone. That someone is on their side, unconditionally.

What does an Advocate do?

• An Advocate supports you in communicating your feelings and helps you to be fully involved in decisions that are made about you and your treatment.
• An advocate should have good listening and communication skills, be supportive and enable you to feel safe.
• An advocate does not express a view concerning what they believe to be in your best interest.
• An advocate can accompany you to a meeting and support you in communicating your own needs. At times you might ask an advocate to speak on your behalf.

Confidentiality

All personal information disclosed to an advocate is confidential to West Essex Mind. No information will be disclosed to a third party without prior permission from the individual concerned except in exceptional cases of legal obligation or if it is felt that you or others are at risk.

The cost of Advocacy

Advocacy is one of the free services offered by West Essex Mind. 

Maldon Mind provides our advocacy service on our behalf. If you are experiencing mental health problems and feel you could benefit then to make an appointment please contact Maldon Mind on: 01621 840597.