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Secure Settings Advocacy

Within several low and medium secure settings across the country, our advocates can offer advocacy support at ward rounds, mental health review tribunals and other formal meetings. Much of our work is on a more informal basis, with referrals being made simply by our advocates getting to know patients on the wards. Many people simply wish to understand more about their rights under the mental health act. Some want support to apply for visitations or discussing their care and treatment.

Last year we worked with 777 clients in secure settings.

Being detained under the Mental Health Act can be an incredibly traumatic time for many people and with a 30% increase in admission over the past decade, the right to a free advocate is vital.

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Steve’s Story

“Last year I made a serious suicide attempt as a result of ongoing depression. I nearly succeeded in my attempt – I’m glad I didn’t now!

I was sectioned at first and when the section was lifted I remained in hospital. I knew I needed to get support. My family had turned against me and I was worried about my job. I started working with an advocate to help me through this time.

My advocate was brilliant, I know now that I had made great progress; after therapy I eventually decided to leave the hospital and face my problems. But the hospital wouldn’t let me leave. They threatened to section me again and kept me against my will. VoiceAbility supported me through this situation and is still helping me, this time to make a complaint against the hospital.

I know that I wouldn’t have survived without support. Being powerless is really scary and Trish and the team made sure that I understood what was happening and what I could do about it.

I work as a senior manager in a commercial company; now I plan on re-training so I can support others with mental health problems.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me!”

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We work in secure settings in the following areas:

Northamptonshire
Birmingham
Ealing
Thurrock
Redbridge
South Yorkshire
St. Ives
Potters Bar