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...
..more..

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.
..more..

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...
..more..

" Went beyond what I hoped for "

Previous Client Comment

What We Do

We provide an advocacy service for young people and adults with mental health difficulties in all of the in-patient psychiatric units in Somerset.

The service we offer is: -

Free
Confidential
Independent
User and Carer led
Accessible

We provide weekly drop-in sessions in all of the units, when patients can meet with an advocate and discuss the support they need. Advocates will also visit patients at other times by appointment. The times of the regular drop-in sessions are advertised in the units. How to contact the service is also widely advertised in the units, and unit staff will also make referrals on patients behalf if asked to so.

The advocacy service for adults receives its funding from Somerset County Council and the Somerset Primary Care Trust. The young peoples. service is funded by the Children in Need Charity. The IMCA service receives central Government funding through Somerset County Council.

We can support patients: -

To understand their rights
To improve communication with health and social care staff
To ensure patients are given up to date information about their care and treatment
By accompanying them at ward round meetings, and at any other meeting in respect of their care and treatment
To obtain legal advice and support
To appeal against sectioning, and accompany them to Hospital Manager Hearings and Tribunals
When care packages are being planned
To make complaints
To get in touch with other service

Our aim is to ensure that the voice of patients with mental health difficulties in Somerset is heard by the appropriate person or service.

For information about the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy Service please click here