Voice Advocacy

This service for people in Sandwell is provided by FCH Housing and Care, and funded by Sandwell Mental Health NHS and Social Care Trust and Sandwell Primary Care Trusts.

Advocacy and Advocates

FCH Housing and Care provide an independent mental health specialist service for people in Sandwell who are enduring mental ill health or are under the provision of the Mental Health Act and require mental health issue related advocacy.

This service is free of charge, confidential and provided by qualified staff who have additional language skills ( this is not an interpreting service).

About the Service

Voice Advocacy strives to empower and enable service users to express their views, concerns and issues by supporting and advocating on behalf of service users to resolve any issues which they have relating to mental ill health or the Mental Health Act.

Criteria to access the service

• Be in the age group 18 to 65
• A Sandwell Borough resident
• Be engaged with mental health services
• Have a mental ill health diagnosis
• Have a request for advocacy based upon a mental health issue

Who are advocates?

• Advocates are not nurses, social workers or clinicians of any kind
• Advocates are trained and are from diverse backgrounds
• Advocates work in the best interests of service users and guarantee absolute confidentiality

What do Advocates do?

Advocates work alongside service users, supporting them in expressing their views, concerns and wishes, helping service users access information and supporting service users on wards. Advocates are able to support service users at tribunals.

Advocates will aim to promote self advocacy, that is helping people to speak up for themselves, through an advocate if necessary. Although advocates might need to speak for service users initially, they will encourage service users to speak for themselves.

• Helping someone identify what they want and need ( not just medical services)
• Helping to get information so the service user can make an informed choice about the services they want to make use of
• Addressing any difficulties or issues the service user comes up against in getting services or with the services they receive
• Enabling service users to have a voice and make themselves heard
• Advocates encourage service users to take a proactive approach in their care and treatment.

Contact Details:

Voice Advocacy Service
Hallam Street Hospital - Hallam Street
West Bromwich
B71 4NH

Telephone: 0121 612 8000
(0121) 612 8681 / (07968) 103315