Independent Advocacy and Mental Health:

Ceartas provides Independent Advocacy support to adults with mental health issues in East Dunbartonshire.

Independent Advocacy is a way for people with mental health issues to get information about their rights and the support they can access, to have as much control as possible over their lives, and to make sure their voices are heard properly.

Independent Advocacy has a statutory role in supporting people who are subject to compulsory measures under the Mental Health Act. Ceartas can help you with things like:

  • Contacting a solicitor.
  • Appealing a Short Term Detention.
  • Attending with you, or representing you at a Mental Health Tribunal.
  • Appointing a Named Person.
Peopel walking.

In addition to our statutory role, Ceartas supports people living out in the community, helping them with things like:

  • Completing an Advance Statement.
  • Finding the services and support they need to live independently.
  • Making social connections with the community.
  • Attending meetings that they might find stressful or difficult.

DO YOU NEED HELP NOW?

Advocacy is not an emergency service, Advocacy Workers are not clinically trained to give you urgent mental health care. If you need support in a crisis:

Ceartas can support people with Mental Health issues by giving them information about their options, supporting them with communication issues, challenging stigma and discrimination, and making sure they get the help they really want.

  • Marie
    Thank you for your support at the last meeting. It’s great having somebody independent in my corner: not sure what I would have done or where I would be otherwise.
    Marie
    Service User
  • David
    It's really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren't worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn't be ignored, and now things are starting to improve as a result.
    David
    Service User
  • Sarah
    Even a ten minute chat on the phone made me feel so much better. I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.
    Sarah
    Service User
  • Elizabeth
    I live quite a long distance away from my sister. When she needed to get some more support in place for her dementia, the information about local services and support that you were able to give me was invaluable. I can't thank you enough.
    Elizabeth
    Long-distance carer
  • Joanne
    I didn't know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.
    Joanne
    Service User
  • Alecia
    It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.
    Alecia
    Social Work
  • Richard
    I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.
    Richard
    Carer
  • Sandra & John
    Thanks for discussing things and then sending us some information in the post: we have now started the Power of Attorney process.
    Sandra & John
    Service User
  • Agnes
    I can pick up the phone and advocacy support is always there, ready to listen and help me understand things better.
    Agnes
    Service User
  • Alex
    When I call Ceartas everyone is always so kind and helpful. They are all a really good group of people.
    Alex
    Service User
  • Thomas
    Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle! Can you do anything for Partick Thistle while you’re at it?
    Thomas
    Carer
  • George
    There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.
    George
    Service User
  • Mark
    I am usually apprehensive about contacting organisations in fear of being passed pillar to post. I was delighted when I contacted Ceartas: although I didn’t need advocacy, you talked me through local services that I needed.
    Mark
    Information enquiry
  • Olivia
    Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!
    Olivia
    Carer
  • Ashleigh
    Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.
    Ashleigh
    Carer
  • Derek
    After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.
    Derek
    Service User