Mental Health Matters Wales (MHM Wales) is pleased to announce that it has successfully secured the continuation of its Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) services in Swansea for a minimum of five additional years. Building upon three years of dedicated service, MHM Wales has supported over 1,400 individuals over the last 5 years, empowering them to navigate the complexities of care and social services.
MHM Wales would like to thank Swansea County Bough Council for their continued trust and confidence in MHM Wales to deliver a high-quality, independent advocacy service. This continued support ensures that MHM Wales can maintain its commitment to giving individuals in Swansea the ability to have their voices heard.
What is the Independent Professional Advocacy (IPA) Service?
The IPA Service is available to those entering or already engaged with Social Services. It is designed for individuals who face barriers to fully participating in assessment, care and support planning, review, or safeguarding processes, but do not have an appropriate individual to assist them. This service ensures that people can overcome these barriers with professional support, enabling them to exercise their rights and make informed decisions.
The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, under Part 10, sets out the legal requirements for local authorities to provide advocacy. This legislation ensures that individuals have a voice, choice, and control over the care and support they receive. MHM Wales plays a crucial role in ensuring that these rights are upheld through their IPA services.
The Role of Independent Professional Advocacy
Independent Professional Advocacy helps individuals have a stronger voice when engaging with social services. It allows people to access the support they need to make meaningful, long-lasting changes in their lives. The role of advocates is not to solve problems but to empower individuals by ensuring they understand their options and rights and helping them make decisions that are right for them.
"At MHM Wales, we are deeply committed to providing a service that empowers individuals to have their voices heard and to take control of their care decisions. Advocacy is about ensuring people have the support they need to navigate complex systems, and we are incredibly proud of the work we have done over the past three years. We are pleased to continue supporting the people of Swansea and are grateful for the trust Swansea County Council has placed in us to deliver this vital service." – Karen Williams, Advocacy Operations Manager, MHM Wales
Our Advocates’ Role Includes:
Supporting individuals who are marginalised or unable to speak for themselves.
Listening to people without judgment and respecting their point of view.
Empowering individuals by helping them understand the choices they have and the consequences of those choices.
Helping individuals communicate their wishes and needs or signposting them to other services that may assist.
Advocating on behalf of individuals when they are unable to do so themselves, ensuring their voices are heard in crucial social services processes.
Our Advocates Will Not:
Provide general advice or act as mediators.
Complete forms, act as counsellors, or offer befriending services.
Make decisions or advise people what to do.
Speak for people when they have the capacity to speak for themselves.
Solve problems themselves or agree with everything a person says.
Swansea Citizen Feedback
The impact of MHM Wales’s advocacy services can be heard in the words of the people they have supported:
“I felt lost and overwhelmed before reaching out to MHM Wales. My advocate helped me understand my rights and ensured my concerns were addressed. I finally feel heard.” J, Swansea
“The support I received made a world of difference during a challenging time in my life. I am grateful for the guidance and encouragement to advocate for myself.” M, Fforestfach,
“MHM Wales helped me to navigate the system and find the resources I needed. Their team genuinely cares about helping people like me.” S, Gowerton
To find out more about how to access or refer to our IPA services, or to download a referral form, please visit https://swansea-ipa.cymru/](https://swansea-ipa.cymru/ contact us at 0300 10 249 70, or email ipa@mhmwales.org.
Please note: To access this service, individuals must be aged eighteen or over, reside in the borough of Swansea, and meet the requirements of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, Part 10.
About MHM Wales
MHM Wales is a leading organisation dedicated to improving mental health and well-being across Wales. Through its advocacy services, community programs, and collaborations, MHM Wales empowers individuals to navigate their care journeys and ensures that their voices are heard.
Our Objectives
Providing a range of Mental Health services that are based on the needs, wishes, and rights of the people who use them.
Promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health.
Supporting and empowering people with mental health challenges.
Assisting in developing "good practice" in mental health services.
Ensuring that service users are fully involved in the services they receive.
Raising public awareness of mental health issues.
Our Values
Treating people with respect and dignity.
Listening to what people are saying to us.
Promoting the individual’s right to choose.
Involvement.
Empowerment.
Equality of opportunity.
Being non-judgemental.
For more information about our Independent Professional Advocacy services or to make a referral, please or contact us directly. Advocacy | mhmwales.org.uk
Media Contact:
Michaela Moore
Service Development Manager
MHM Wales
07 488 252 840
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