It is generally recognised that the individual is an expert in their own mental health and that they should be fully involved and central in decisions about their treatment and care.

“Advocacy is taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.” - The Advocacy Charter (2002)

People might need advocacy to help get their views heard and taken into account when there are changes happening in their life, when decisions are being made, when they need more information to understand things and make choices or when they are not happy about their care or services. 

Many organisations provide advocacy as part of their service. For further help search for advocacy in the Directory of Services facility.