Vincent, Devrim and Gillian are AdvoCard’s Mental Health Act Advocacy Workers.

We are independent from the local authority (social work), the health board (psychiatric services) and the Scottish Government (tribunals).

We can advocate for you regarding the Mental Health Act if you:

• have mental health issues and;
• live in the community in Edinburgh and
• face compulsory care and treatment under the Act (being detained or forced to take treatment by law) or;
• want to use the safeguards within the Act (rules and services to protect you in law and practice).

Individuals can access Advocacy Workers for issues such as:

• Mental Health Tribunals (before, during and after)
• Compulsory Treatment Orders (CTO)
• Emergency and short-term powers
• Care Plans and reviews
• Accessing the Mental Welfare Commission Scotland
• Accessing legal representation
• The appeals process
• Advance Statements
• Named Person

Advocacy Workers can also provide information regarding advocacy in the Act for:

• individuals
• service user groups – day services; drop-ins; supported/residential accommodation
• mental health workers – statutory and voluntary sectors

If AdvoCard can not advocate for you, we can help you to find an advocacy service that is better suited to your needs and location.

Contact us by phone or in writing (post or email) for an appointment with an Advocacy Worker. View our contact details

Further Information

• A mental health advocacy guide for Edinburgh
• SIAA Directory of Advocacy Organisations in Scotland
• View a full directory of Advocard’s Online resouces