Advocacy West Wales – A voice when you need it most
In Pembrokeshire we provide the following services:
- Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
- The Community Mental Health Service
- Drop-In Mental Health Advocacy Services
- Advocacy for People over 16 with a Learning Disability and Autistic People
See below for more details
1. Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
Access to an IMHA is a statutory right for people of any age in hospital being treated or assessed for a mental health condition whether or not they are detained under most sections of the Mental Health Act. People also have a right to an IMHA while living in the community under guardianship, a community treatment order (CTO), conditional discharge or extended Section 17 leave. When someone is detained in hospital or on a CTO it can be a very confusing and distressing experience. IMHAs are independent of mental health and other services and will help you explore your options, get your views heard, make informed decisions and understand and uphold your rights and entitlements. IMHA can make a big difference to people’s experience of detention and are highly valued by people who use services. However, research shows that only about half the people who are entitled to an IMHA actually get one.
Contact:
Telephone: 01437 762935 – a 24 hour answer phone service is in operation
Or send our IMHA referral form to imha@advocacywestwales.org.uk
2. The Community Mental Health Service
This provides direct 1:1 independent advocacy support to individuals with a serious mental health problem who are 18 years old and over living in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire
Who do we work with?
We work with people who are receiving help from the Community Mental Health Service or people who feel they need more help with their mental health than they are currently receiving.
We work with people who have capacity to make decisions as well as those who have been assessed to lack mental capacity to make certain decisions.
What is our role?
We will explore with a client what their issues are and how an advocate may support them. Our role is to help people be as fully involved as possible to influence any decisions that affect their lives. If we are not able to meet your needs within our service, if it is at all possible we will do our best to try and signpost you to someone who may be able to help.
Contact:
Telephone: 01437 762935 – a 24 hour answer phone service is in operation
or send our Community referral form to referrals@advocacywestwales.org.uk
Community Referral Form – English
3. Drop-In Mental Health Advocacy Services – at venues across the county
4. Advocacy for People over 16 with a Learning Disability and Autistic People
What is our role?
We will explore with a client what your issues are that affect your life and how an advocate may support you. Our role is to help people be as fully involved as possible in decisions affecting their lives. If we are not able to meet your needs within our service, if possible we will try to signpost you to someone/an organisation who may be able to help.
Advocates for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic People are;
Shelly Newton and Rachel Dillon.
Contact:
Telephone: 01437 762935 – a 24 hour answerphone service is in operation
or use our online contact form or send our referral form to referrals@advocacywestwales.org.uk
AWW has adopted the Learning Disability Charter:
Do you have a NHS health profile as an adult or child? click here for information:
http://improvementcymru.net/health-profile
Advocacy West Wales leaflets
Access Advocacy West Wales leaflets with service information