It can be hard to tell others if you are concerned about your treatment or care whilst using mental health services. An advocate can help you either by supporting you when you wish to voice your concerns, or by representing your concerns if you feel unable to do so.

All Mind advocacy services operate independently of the mental health or social services. You will be listened to and treated with respect. The service offers you the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence about issues relating to your treatment. We do not share information with other agencies without your permission unless you or someone else is at risk.

We will not tell you what to do or make judgements but help you to make choices and say what you want from services.

The Community Advocacy Service can help you to:

	ask questions
	be heard and say what you want to say
	be included in the decision making process
	understand your options and make choices
	be treated with respect and as an equal
	know your rights

A Community Advocate can:

	support and/or represent you at meetings, care planning meetings or doctors appointment
	help you to access mental health services or help refer you to other professionals e.g. solicitors or debt advisors
	Provide information about community care and other support
	help you to challenge a decision about your treatment or care
	help you to make a complaint

Service Opening Hours
The Community Advocacy Service is open Monday - Friday. We have 2 advocates (one male and one female) covering this post as a job share and we are happy to meet people in community settings as required. We are based in our central office.

Project Funding
The Community Advocacy service is funded by Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Downloads
Community Services Leaflet