Mental Health Awareness Week: Strengthening Community Connections Through Advocacy

mhmadmin
1 day ago
2 min read

Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the importance of community support and wellbeing, and this year, we are proud to highlight our presence at the Mental Health Awareness Fair at Barry Library, hosted by Cardiff & Vale Mental Health Forum and CAVAMH.

The event is in full swing, offering a welcoming space for individuals to explore mental health support, engage with local services, and learn about wellbeing resources. Visitors can enjoy free tea and coffee while exploring stalls offering advice, information, and support.

At our MHM Wales stand, our team is on hand to provide information about our services, including our Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) service.

What is Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA)?

IPA is a specialist service designed to support individuals in having their voices heard, making informed decisions, and ensuring their rights are upheld. Our trained advocates work independently of other services, providing impartial support to those who may be facing complex decisions about their care, treatment, or wellbeing.

How IPA Aligns with Welsh Legislation

Our IPA service is directly aligned with two key Welsh legislative frameworks:

Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: This Act emphasises the importance of voice, choice, and control for individuals accessing health and social care services. Our IPA service ensures that people are actively involved in decisions about their lives, respecting their views and preferences.
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015: This Act promotes a sustainable approach to improving well-being across Wales, focusing on long-term positive outcomes. Our advocacy service supports this by empowering individuals to access support, speak up for their rights, and engage with their communities.

Empowering Our Community

Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that strong communities are built through understanding, support, and inclusion. We are proud to be part of this initiative and to continue promoting mental health and wellbeing across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

If you couldn’t make it to the fair, you can still learn more about our services and get in touch by visiting our website or contacting our team: