Advocacy is about taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. They are independent of the health service and completely confidential. Advocates can:
- advise you about your rights,
- offer support and representation at meetings,
- provide independent information about your treatment options while in hospital,
- offer guidance and support with regard to formal procedures such as access to medical records and complaints procedures
Mental Health Advocacy
Bristol Mind offers several types of mental health advocacy for Bristol residents, including Independent Mental Capacity and Independent Mental Health Advocacy. For further information about these services, call 0117 980 0370, email admin@bristolmind.org.uk or click here to visit the Bristol Mind website.
Swan Advocacy offers Independent Mental Capacity and Independent Mental Health Advocacy for residents of South Gloucestershire. For further information call 03333 44 7928, email reception@swanadvocacy.org.uk or click here to visit the Swan website.
Complaints Advocacy
If you are unhappy with the treatment you or a family member are receiving from local mental health services or social services, an advocate can help you through the complaints process.
- For complaints about social services or the NHS in Bristol, please contact The Care Forum‘s advocacy service on 0808 808 5252 or click here to visit their advocacy services webpage.
- For complaints about social services or the NHS in South Gloucestershire, please contact Swan Advocacy on 03333 44 7928 or click here to visit the Swan website.
