York Advocacy
What do they do?
If you are receiving support for your mental health you may be entitled to an independent advocate. An independent advocate can help you to understand what is happening to you and support you, completely independent, of doctors, nurses and or your family, they support you and explain to you, your rights.
What do they offer?
If you are sectioned you will be entitled to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA). They can help you to understand what is happening to you and help you understand your options, in order to make decisions. They will advise you of your rights and can help you challenge any restrictions they put on you. Advocates will support you, regardless of the reasons you’ve been sectioned under the mental health act. Advocates can support you in sharing your wishes and views and can attend meetings on the ward with you about your care and when discharge planning starts.
York Advocacy work from the Advocacy Hub which is at York Mind but they are completely independent service which works for the people they support.
How to get support
If you are sectioned, entitlement to an Independent Mental Health Advocate is statutory (this means you have a right to have an advocate, should you want one). An advocate will visit you as soon as they can, they work Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. There is a self-referral form on their website or ward staff can refer you.
Location
Address
https://www.yorkadvocacy.org.uk/about-the-hub/