health and wellbeing


even if they are, there is much misunderstanding about what the service provides. Many professionals are themselves confused and often ask for an explanation. When the facility is made use of the results can often be quite amazing. Troubled people find the confidence to speak for themselves and those who are approached about a particular concern, for example local authorities and the medical services, will and do listen.


In my own area of advocacy I work with people who, for what ever reason, have become caught up in the mental health service. Mental illness affects so many people and although the vast majority are able to manage the condition on their own, many do need support. Today the management of mental health is focused on the community. With support it is hoped that people with mental illnesses will be able to live independent lives, as far as possible. Sometimes of course, the condition requires acute care and as part of my work, I visit our mental health hospital. It is here, when people can appear completely bewildered, that advocacy can be of particular value.


Working as an Advocate A


dvocacy is a fairly new service and so many people are not aware of its existence and,


St. Michael’s drop in centre in Warwick


South Warwickshire is my patch where, as well as hospital work, I also meet people in the community. This may be in their homes or some other suitable and convenient meeting place - perhaps one of the many drop in centres run by charities such as MIND. South Warwickshire is mainly a rural area despite its proximity to Coventry, with few large towns, Leamington Spa being the largest. People can so easily become isolated and probably through no fault of their own, may live a rather insular way of life. The MIND drop ins may be there to provide support for the mentally unwell but they can also attract anyone in need of other human contact because of some particular crisis. The diagnosis is not a mental health condition but loneliness.


I find that I travel many miles around the county, locating people wherever they want to meet. Although providing a confidential and independent support to those who feel, for what ever reason, that they are unable to manage a particular problem by


themselves, advocacy is also about enabling the client to take control of the situation. For this to happen, the client must have a confidence and belief that the service can help and make a difference.


This does not mean that the outcome is always what the client wants. This is far from the case. It does mean however, that clients are able to discuss and to have explained what is a reasonable and understandable way forward for them. Then, of course, the person is able to be more fully aware of the whole picture and so more able to accept the outcome.


Advocacy is demanding and challenging work for all of us involved in it. Satisfaction comes from knowing that perhaps in a very small way the service has benefited the individual. 


Janet Gatward


For more information on advocacy services in your area contact MIND on 0845 7660163.


www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk 7


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