A4MHD
Service User Feedback
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Service User Feedback

Sample of service user views on having an Independent Advocate

"First, I want to make a point that advocates are people doing really serious work to help and support people who are in fragile circumstances. They are like the ears and eyes and mind, to hear, see and understand those people who have got too much power and unfortunately sometimes misunderstand their patient. So an advocacy service is a link between the person having mental health problems and the people treating this person."

"Most of the doctors get feedback, from nurses who have not completed investigations with the patient, which can include personal prejudices like racism. "

"Before I had advocacy, I was like a person who was sinking at the bottom of the ocean. Really, I was like that. But with advocacy, I now know what's red, yellow and green. As like, if I don't want my psychiatrist for a genuine reason, I could ask to change them or if I'm not happy with any treatment from someone using my mental health problem as an excuse, I can divert them to the right way."

"So in the end I am not alone. I can't prevent any attack on me but I now have some protection. Now everyone knows my circumstances like my solicitors and my doctors."

LMHAG Client

In a recent survey of service user views on the effects of advocacy, interviewees were asked whether anything had changed for the better as a result of having an advocate.

Responses included:

• "The psychiatrist treated me more on a level, with more respect, more credibility for my views and feelings."
• "Someone else who understood how I was feeling; to communicate that to the doctors,
  like having a second shoulder to lean on."
• "When the advocate is not there they treat you as if you don't understand English."
• "My stay on the ward was adjusted to give me more time to prepare for discharge more fully."
• "My confidence with having someone to help deal with the situation."
• "Going through my case with someone neutral - help to think out and plan my appeal."
• "Help us to get things clear in our own minds" (group)
• "My life!"