Latest News

Mike Pochin of Dorset Advocacy has achieved the first IMCA/DOLS Diploma

Congratulations Mike Pochin

Mike Pochin completed his Diploma in Independent Advocacy (Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) on 31st...
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Training Dates now available in 2011

See our 2011 dates in our Qualification Training Programme page

All our courses are held at our Meare Green Training Centre, near Taunton in Somerset.
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Core units available now by Distance Learning

A fast track method for experienced advocates

If you are an experienced advocate we now offer the core units by distance learning. It is recommended that advocates attend their specialist unit...
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" If I hadn't met my advocate I would not be here today. When I was at the depths of despair in a locked ward in another county as he championed for my cause. Also the time and effort given to me whilst I was going through the complaints process was just outstanding. My experience with the mental health system has not been positive and so I know that advocacy would be there if I were ever to need the service again. I cannot thank my advocate enough. "

Previous Client Comment

What is The Headspace Toolkit?

The Toolkit is designed to help young people who are in-patients of psychiatric hospitals. It provides information on young peoples. rights, what the law says, who you can talk to, what to do if you.re not happy about your treatment or care, and gives tips on how to speak up and get others to listen.

Young people who knew about being in a psychiatric hospital were actively involved in the production of the Toolkit.

The toolkit is founded on three principles:

Young people's right to know and request information that is balanced and accurate
Their right to express their views and to be fully heard in matters relating to them
That supporting them to access and explore these rights will ultimately lead to improved trust and communication between them and the adults involved in their care.

The Toolkit comprises of a booklet which explains such things as young peoples. rights, answers some questions about what its like for a young person being in a psychiatric hospital, gives information about the law, and has a jargon buster. There is also a set of .power tools. which are photocopiable sheets that allow the young person to present personal information about themselves and how they would like to be treated, as a means of asking questions, describe in what ways they are unhappy about how they are being treated and begin to plan for the future. Using the Power Tools should allow the young person to be more involved in their care and treatment, to increase communication between the young person and their adult carers.

For more information go to www.headspacetoolkit.org