WHAT IS IT?

This project provides advocacy services for people using mental health services in West Lothian.  It is an independent, service-user led and employs paid staff and volunteers.  The project is not connected with providers of mental health services and only provides general information to carers.  It provides information, support and representation.

WHAT IS ADVOCACY?

    Advocacy is helping people to speak up for themselves, speaking on their  behalf, with their permission, or helping groups speak up about the issues which concern them.

    Advocates work with people to help them develop their own opinions and confidence to make choices.

WHY WOULD I NEED ADVOCACY?

You may need advocacy to help speak to professionals such as Doctors, Nurses, Lawyers, Social Workers.
It offers people the opportunity to take control over their own lives by helping them to exercise choice based on their needs and wishes, and to have their views heard and respected.

MHAP staff aim to protect the people they help, empower them to become involved in decisions about their care and treatment and also, as far as possible, in the design and evaluation of new and existing services.

MHAP staff also aim to inform both service-users and carers, to ensure greater knowledge and choices.

WHO ARE THE STAFF?

A Project Manager, A Project Worker and an Administration Worker.
The MHAP also have trained volunteers who offer valuable help and experience.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

Professional Advocacy - paid representation, support and information

Self Advocacy - Helping people to help themselves

Crisis Advocacy - Helping people in an emergency/urgent situation

Collective Advocacy - Helping people in groups to join together, gather and discuss information and make changes

WHO CAN ACCESS IT?

Anyone between 18 and 65, in West Lothian with a mental health diagnosis.

Anyone caring for the above person can obtain general information regarding mental illness, services, medications etc.

WHAT IS THE AIM?

To reduce the prejudice and stigma which, regrettably, is still attached to a mental health diagnosis, the project aims to challenge these views, and promote change in order that mental health service-users are respected and heard.

WHAT MAY I BE THINKING/FEELING?

INDIVIDUALS

A STRONGER VOICE

    You may feel confused about your illness, treatment and care.

    You may feel intimidated by staff, the hospital itself and meetings.

    You may not know who to turn to.

    You may want an independent ear.

    You may want support.

    You may want representation

GROUPS

A LOUDER VOICE

    It may be easier to get support in a group

    It may be easier to get encouragement in a group

    It may be easier to have influence in a group

    It may be easier to effect change in a group

REPRESENTATION

A VOICE THAT'S HEARD

    The West Lothian Users Forum is supported and attended by MHAP. It is an informal gathering for discussion,consultation and to hear guest speakers.
Details of future meetings are available from our office.

    The West Lothian Representatives Group is supported and attended by the MHAP.

It allows our volunteers to meet monthly to discuss issues relating to Hospital and community services.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Project please contact us:

    We have service-users and project staff involved in many local and national committees and groups.

  EMAIL US 

HOW TO CONTACT US

The service is free and you can contact staff by telephone, post or visit us in St. John's Hospital Ward 16/17 Corridor, Livingston

Our hours are:    Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm

WRITE OR PHONE

Mental Health Advocacy Project
Ward 16/17 Corridor, First Floor
St. John's Hospital
Livingston
EH54 6PP

01506 419666 ext 4574    (24 hour answer-machine)

Mobile:    07968 870350
email:    advocacy@btinternet.com 

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