Advocacy and mental health | Support and services

I find it helpful and reassuring to have a third person in the room willing to support my stance. It makes me feel far less worried about being misunderstood or having my concerns dismissed.

What is advocacy?

Find out more about advocacy, the different types of advocacy and what an advocate does.

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Finding an advocate

Find out about organisations offering advocacy services and what you can do if you can't find an advocate in your area.

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What can an advocate help me with?

Read about some of the ways an advocate could help you.

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Advocates in social care

An advocate can help you if your local authority is assessing you for social care. Find out more.

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Independent Mental Health Advocates

Sometimes you're legally entitled to an IMHA. Find out more about IMHAs in England and in Wales.

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Independent Mental Capacity Advocates

If you lack capacity to make certain decisions, an IMCA could help. Find out more.

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NHS complaints advocates

If you're not happy with the healthcare you receive, an advocate could help you to complain. Find out more.

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Complaining about an advocate

Find out what to do if you're unhappy with your advocate or the service you're receiving.

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Under 18?

We have info on what advocacy means and how advocates can help.

Get info for young people

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Published: December 2024

Next review planned: December 2027

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