How Independent Professional Advocacy in Swansea Transformed One Mother’s Future

Background

P, a devoted mother from Swansea, had been trying to access Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) services through her GP for nine months, facing repeated barriers. Despite a history of mental health struggles, including previous psychiatric admissions, she was unable to get the help she desperately needed.

After finally receiving a mental health assessment, P was prescribed medication to support her low mood, but clinicians recognised that ADHD was the underlying issue. However, the waiting list for an ADHD assessment in Swansea is over 1,000 people long, with an average two-year wait.

P had already waited four months, and without intervention, she was expected to wait another two years. Social Services were extremely concerned about how her undiagnosed ADHD was affecting her ability to manage daily life and parenting. While P had made incredible progress, her lack of access to appropriate ADHD treatment was holding her back.

The Challenge

P’s family and multiple professionals—including social workers and perinatal support workers—were desperate to help her. Several attempts were made to escalate her case, but they were repeatedly told that everyone on the waiting list was urgent, and nothing could be done to speed up the process.

The situation was becoming increasingly concerning. Social Services were considering a Care Order, even though they acknowledged that P was a loving mother who had worked hard to meet all expectations. It was clear that her struggle was due to untreated ADHD, not a lack of parenting ability.

How the IPA Service Helped

At this important stage, Tracy Watson, an Independent Professional Advocate (IPA) from MHM Wales, took on P’s case.

Tracy met with P at her home, explained the advocacy process, and immediately took action. She contacted P’s GP surgery on the spot, requesting an urgent mental health intervention. The GP responded within an hour, agreeing to submit an urgent referral to Tonna Hospital.

P was seen for an initial mental health assessment within four weeks, leading to a prescription for medication to support her mood. However, this still did not address her ADHD symptoms, which were causing ongoing difficulties.

Determined to secure the assessment P desperately needed, Tracy then escalated the case further so she:

✅ Contacted the secretary of the allocated psychiatrist, explaining the severity of P’s case.

✅ Requested to make a formal complaint about the length of ADHD waiting lists in Swansea.

✅ Emailed both the psychiatrist’s secretary and the CMHT Nursing Manager, outlining why P’s case should be prioritised.

The very next day, Tracy received an email confirming that a last-minute cancellation appointment had become available in just three weeks.

The Outcome

This intervention completely changed the trajectory of P’s life:

✅ P was assessed for ADHD within three weeks, instead of waiting another two years.

✅ She received the diagnosis she needed, opening the door to proper treatment and support.

✅ Social Services were reassured, avoiding the need for a Care Order.

✅ P could continue to care for her child, with new strategies to manage her ADHD symptoms.

A Swansea social worker later described Tracy’s advocacy as “a miracle”, recognising that without this intervention, P and her child’s future could have been very different.

Reflecting on the case, Tracy responded with humility

“I don’t know about a miracle worker, but thank you for that really lovely feedback—it is much appreciated!P truly deserves this appointment—she has worked so hard, bless her.”

Why Advocacy Matters

This case is a powerful reminder of why Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) services are vital. Without an advocate, P could have remained lost in the system, waiting years for help that she needed urgently.

The IPA Service in Swansea operates within the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, ensuring that those who struggle to access services have their voices heard and their rights upheld.

Accessing Advocacy Support

The IPA Service in Swansea, delivered by MHM Wales and funded by Swansea City Council, is available to individuals who:

✅ Need support under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

✅ Struggle to have their voices heard in mental health or social care decisions.

✅ Face challenges in understanding or accessing their rights and entitlements.

✅ Are involved with social services, healthcare, or other support services.

Contact the IPA Service

📍 Location: Swansea, delivered by MHM Wales

📞 Contact: 0300 10 249 70

📧 Email: ipa@mhmwales.org

🌍 Website: www.swansea-ipa.cymru

This case is just one example of how Independent Professional Advocacy can change lives—ensuring that no one is left unheard, unsupported, or without access to the services they need.