Posted: Wednesday 23 March 2011
People experiencing mental distress in Wales need better access to advocates who can help support them.
In the lead up to May’s National Assembly for Wales elections, today sees the launch of Mind Cymru’s fifth and final briefing paper, building on October’s manifesto.
Advocacy services can be crucial, helping people to express their views and concerns, access information and services, and defend their rights. Access is particularly poor for minority groups who are often most likely to need support to access services:
Today’s briefing calls on political parties and the next Welsh Assembly Government to take actions that include extending the advocacy provision beyond that detailed in Part 4 of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010, improve the advocacy workforce, and introduce a Community Mental Health Advocacy Act.
Lindsay Foyster, Director of Mind Cymru, said:
At times when people experiencing mental distress are feeling particularly vulnerable, they need someone to speak up for them and let decision-makers know their views.
This has huge benefits, not just for the individual, but also for mental health service providers.
A good advocate can be a real life-line.
Read the briefing in full or contact