Dementia Action Week and Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA)

mhmadmin
4 days ago
3 min read

Dementia Action Week (19–25 May 2025) is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about dementia, encouraging early diagnosis, and promoting better support for those affected. This week is a powerful reminder that individuals living with dementia deserve dignity, respect, and a voice in decisions about their care.

At Mental Health Matters Wales (MHM Wales), we are proud to support Dementia Action Week by promoting our Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) service, which ensures that people with dementia can have their voices heard and their rights protected. As a trusted provider of IPA in Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Cardiff, and the Vale of Glamorgan, we are committed to empowering individuals across these regions.

What are the Main Benefits of Using an IPA Service?

Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) is a vital service that provides individuals with the support they need to express their views, understand their rights, and make informed decisions about their care. The main benefits of using an IPA service include:

Empowerment

Individuals are supported to make their own choices and understand their rights, especially when navigating complex health and social care decisions.
Our advocates ensure that people feel confident in expressing their views and making decisions that affect their lives.

Independent Representation

Our advocates act solely in the best interests of the individual, free from conflicts of interest. We provide an unbiased voice, ensuring that the individual’s views, wishes, and preferences are heard and respected by health and social care professionals.

Protection

IPA helps safeguard individuals from abuse, neglect, or unfair treatment. Our advocates ensure that individuals are not overlooked or mistreated, particularly in complex or sensitive situations.

Confidence and Clarity

Individuals feel heard, valued, and respected, knowing that someone is there to support them. Our advocates help explain complex information, making it easier for individuals to understand their options and make informed choices.

Ongoing Support

IPA is not just a one-time service – our advocates provide continued support as needed.

Whether attending meetings, making decisions, or accessing services, individuals have a trusted advocate by their side.

These benefits are especially important for vulnerable or isolated individuals, such as those living with dementia, who may struggle to have their voices heard in important decisions about their care. Our advocates ensure that their rights are upheld, their preferences are respected, and their well-being is prioritised.

How IPA Supports Dementia Action Week

Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) is closely aligned with the goals of Dementia Action Week, ensuring that individuals living with dementia are empowered, protected, and included in decisions about their care:

Raising Awareness

Our advocates help individuals, and their carers understand their rights and access the support they need.

Challenging Stigma

We promote the idea that people with dementia have the right to make decisions about their own lives.

Empowering Individuals

Our advocates ensure that people with dementia are heard, even if they struggle with communication.

Strengthening Support Networks

We help individuals connect with services, peer support groups, and community resources.

MHM Wales: IPA Provider in Four Regions

MHM Wales is a trusted provider of Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) in Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Cardiff, and the Vale of Glamorgan. Our advocates work across these regions to support individuals who may be at risk of having their voices ignored or their rights overlooked.

Real Stories: How IPA Makes a Difference

John’s Story: Regaining Control

John is an older adult living with early onset dementia who was facing a decision about moving into a care home. He felt overwhelmed and worried that his views were being ignored. With the support of an MHM Wales advocate, John was able to:

Understand his options and make an informed choice.
Have his views clearly represented during care planning meetings.
Feel respected, heard, and in control of his own future.

Maria’s Story: Navigating Complex Care Decisions

Maria, who has a mental health condition, and a carer for someone with Dementia was struggling to access the right support. Our advocate helped her:

Understand her rights under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act.
Access mental health services that met her needs
Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.

How to Access Our IPA Service

Email: ipa@mhmwales.org

Phone: 01656 651 450

If you or someone you know could benefit from our Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) service, please get in touch. Our team is here to help.

Join Us for Dementia Action Week

This Dementia Action Week, we encourage you to:

Learn about dementia and how to support those affected.
Share information about our IPA service to ensure that more people can access advocacy.
Support our work by donating, partnering, or volunteering.

At MHM Wales, we believe that everyone deserves to be heard, respected, and empowered. Our Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) service is here to ensure that no one faces difficult decisions alone.