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Advocacy in mental health

Explains what advocacy is and how it can help you. Gives information on different types of advocacy, including statutory advocates, what sort of situations an advocate can help you with, and how to find an advocate.

Useful contacts 

Mind's services

  • Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
  • Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
  • Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Other organisations

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC)

029 2054 0444
ascymru.org.uk
Provides mental health advocacy in Wales.

Citizens Advice

0800 144 8848 (England Adviceline)
0800 702 2020 (Wales Adviceline)
0800 144 8884 (Relay UK, textphone)
citizensadvice.org.uk
Free, confidential information and advice on your rights, including money, housing, legal and other problems.

Coram Voice

0808 800 5792
coramvoice.org.uk
Provides advocacy for children and young people in care, and care leavers.

Groundswell

groundswell.org.uk
Information and support for homeless people. Also provides peer-to-peer health advocacy in London.

MindOut

mindout.org.uk
Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people.

National Survivor User Network (NSUN)

nsun.org.uk
Independent, service-user-led charity for people with experience of mental health issues. Provides information, networking opportunities and peer support.

POhWER

0300 456 2370
pohwer.net
Provides advocacy services in England.

Rethink Mental Illness

0300 5000 927
rethink.org
Provides support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including local support groups.

Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project

santeproject.org.uk
Provides advocacy and befriending for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.

The Advocacy People

theadvocacypeople.org.uk
Charity providing advocacy services, including IMHA services. (Formerly known as SEAP).

Shelter Cymru

0345 075 5005
sheltercymru.org.uk
Provides free, confidential advice on housing and homelessness in Wales.

Shelter England

0808 800 4444
england.shelter.org.uk
Provides free, confidential advice on housing and homelessness in England.

VoiceAbility

voiceability.org
Provides advocacy services across England.

This information was published in March 2018. We will revise it in 2021.

References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.

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