Advocacy in Somerset

Advocacy in Somerset is a registered charity and limited company. We have been providing an independent advocacy service to inpatients in adolescent and adult psychiatric units within Somerset for more than ten years.

We provide an advocacy service for young people and adults with mental health difficulties primarily for those who are in-patients in mental health hospital units. We also provide the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy Service in Somerset and we have also helped set up and now support the Maze Project, which provides an advocacy service for young people with mental health difficulties in the community.XX

As mental health advocates we provide a particular kind of support to people. Often when people find themselves struggling with a mental health problem they can feel isolated , alone, lacking in self confidence and even quite scared about what might happen to them. At times like this it can be very reassuring to know that someone is there who has no other role but to help you communicate your views and wishes to those who may be involved in your care. Advocates are independent which means they are not part of the hospital or social services staff but they do work according to a code of practice and confidentiality.

The Headspace Toolkit is an
Advocacy in Somerset Project.

The first version of the Headspace Toolkit was produced in 2004. The updated version available on this site was produced in January 2009 and reflects changes to the legislation specifically the amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983 which has become the Mental Health Act 2007.

Created by Advocacy in Somerset - Registered Charity No. 1093096

Initially funded by the Childrens Rights Alliance for England’s
Ready Steady Change Programme

Upgrade in 2008 funded by the National Institute for Mental Health in England
and the Department of Health

Copyright © Advocacy in Somerset Ltd 2009