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 West Sussex Advocacy Services can help you to:

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

A West Sussex 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
West Sussex Advocacy service operates 9am-5pm on Monday-Friday. Our services include:

WAMHS Advocacy
For adults aged 18-65 who are inpatients or living in the community

	MID Downs Advocacy covering Crawley and Horsham (Monday-Friday). This service is based at Alphacom House from Monday - Friday. Please call us on 01403 270388
	MID Downs Advocacy covering Mid Sussex (Monday-Thursday). This service is based at Princess Royal Hospital
	Speaking Out Advocacy throughout the Bognor Regis, Chichester and Midhurst areas (Monday-Friday). This service is based at the Centurion Mental Health Centre
	Pressure Point Advocacy covering Adur, Arun and Worthing (Monday-Friday). This service is based at West Sussex Advocacy Services

Speak Your Mind Advocacy
For young people aged 11-19 who are inpatients or living in the community

	covering the North of the county (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). This service is based at Sussex Centre for Children and Young People
	covering the South of the county (Monday, Wednesday,Thursday). This service is based at West Sussex Advocacy Services

Project Funding
The West Sussex Advocacy services are funded by The West Sussex Mental Health Commissioning Team.

Downloads
West Sussex Advocacy Leaflet 
Speak Your Mind Consultation Project 
Speak Your Mind Annual Report 2007-2008 
West Sussex Advocacy Services Annual Report 2007-2008