Community Mental Health Journal, 57(8), 2021, pp.1547-1555.
Publisher:
Springer
Consumers with a mental health condition often feel powerless and overwhelmed in interactions with mental healthcare providers. Consumer self-advocacy and advocacy actions undertaken by their family members on the behalf of their relative contribute to a sense of empowerment for both consumers and their family members. This qualitative study explored family member perspectives of advocacy actions they took on behalf of their relatives and themselves. Data analysis of interviews with 20 family members, including parents, partners/spouses, siblings, and adult children, yielded three themes of family member advocacy actions: advocating for a relative’s mental healthcare, normalizing mental illness, and engaging in social and political actions. Advocacy frameworks offer useful guidelines for speaking up for individuals who live with a mental illness.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Consumers with a mental health condition often feel powerless and overwhelmed in interactions with mental healthcare providers. Consumer self-advocacy and advocacy actions undertaken by their family members on the behalf of their relative contribute to a sense of empowerment for both consumers and their family members. This qualitative study explored family member perspectives of advocacy actions they took on behalf of their relatives and themselves. Data analysis of interviews with 20 family members, including parents, partners/spouses, siblings, and adult children, yielded three themes of family member advocacy actions: advocating for a relative’s mental healthcare, normalizing mental illness, and engaging in social and political actions. Advocacy frameworks offer useful guidelines for speaking up for individuals who live with a mental illness.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
advocacy, families, mental health problems, carers;
Community Mental Health Journal, 54(5), 2018, pp.607-615.
Publisher:
Springer
Advocacy plays a vital role in ensuring that mental health consumers’ rights are maintained. However, the primary issues for which consumers seek advocacy support remain unknown. Understanding these issues provides a sound basis from which advocacy organisations may develop a clear service delivery focus. This study addresses the literature gap through presenting a qualitative analysis of 60 records from an advocacy service. Four major themes emerged, across which two key issues were dominant: the sense of fearfulness and disempowerment. These issues accentuate the importance of advocates in enhancing the agency of mental health consumers.
(Publisher abstract)
Advocacy plays a vital role in ensuring that mental health consumers’ rights are maintained. However, the primary issues for which consumers seek advocacy support remain unknown. Understanding these issues provides a sound basis from which advocacy organisations may develop a clear service delivery focus. This study addresses the literature gap through presenting a qualitative analysis of 60 records from an advocacy service. Four major themes emerged, across which two key issues were dominant: the sense of fearfulness and disempowerment. These issues accentuate the importance of advocates in enhancing the agency of mental health consumers.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
advocacy, service users, mental health problems, mental health services, empowerment;
Mental Health Review Journal, 17(1), 2012, pp.5-13.
Publisher:
Emerald
From April 2009, statutory access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) has been available to patients subject to certain aspects of the Mental Health Act 1983. IMHAs exist to help and support patients to understand and exercise their legal rights. The aim of this paper is to discuss an audit evaluation of a specialist independent mental health advocacy service provided by Mind based in the London Borough of Bexley. The audit included qualitative interviews with 10 long-term in-patient residents in 2 specialist forensic mental health and challenging behaviour units. The data collected were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings are considered under the headings: developing trust; diversity; and wellbeing. They indicate that the service's approach, which combines formal advocacy methods with a proactive ethos, had a positive impact on engagement. The importance of trust in the relationships between advocates and service users was highlighted by the study. The audit also indicates a significant increase in self-reported wellbeing, self-efficacy and empowerment for participants.
From April 2009, statutory access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) has been available to patients subject to certain aspects of the Mental Health Act 1983. IMHAs exist to help and support patients to understand and exercise their legal rights. The aim of this paper is to discuss an audit evaluation of a specialist independent mental health advocacy service provided by Mind based in the London Borough of Bexley. The audit included qualitative interviews with 10 long-term in-patient residents in 2 specialist forensic mental health and challenging behaviour units. The data collected were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings are considered under the headings: developing trust; diversity; and wellbeing. They indicate that the service's approach, which combines formal advocacy methods with a proactive ethos, had a positive impact on engagement. The importance of trust in the relationships between advocates and service users was highlighted by the study. The audit also indicates a significant increase in self-reported wellbeing, self-efficacy and empowerment for participants.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mental health services, secure units, advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy;
Working with Older People, 15(1), March 2011, pp.13-18.
Publisher:
Emerald
The advocacy needs of older people with mental health problems remain a poorly researched area. As such, this paper presents findings from a small study undertaken in partnership with Sandwell Advocacy, a voluntary sector organisation, and researchers from Coventry University in one local authority area in the West Midlands. The study investigated the advocacy needs of people aged 65 years and over with mental health problems and determined the current level of demand or need for advocacy among this user group. Respondents included 147 stakeholders, comprising of service users, carers and service providers. Overall, findings suggested dissatisfaction with the services provided, with 94% of service users not using advocacy services. In conclusion, the authors describe a need for mechanisms to capture advocacy in order to properly inform the commissioning of advocacy within mental health services.
The advocacy needs of older people with mental health problems remain a poorly researched area. As such, this paper presents findings from a small study undertaken in partnership with Sandwell Advocacy, a voluntary sector organisation, and researchers from Coventry University in one local authority area in the West Midlands. The study investigated the advocacy needs of people aged 65 years and over with mental health problems and determined the current level of demand or need for advocacy among this user group. Respondents included 147 stakeholders, comprising of service users, carers and service providers. Overall, findings suggested dissatisfaction with the services provided, with 94% of service users not using advocacy services. In conclusion, the authors describe a need for mechanisms to capture advocacy in order to properly inform the commissioning of advocacy within mental health services.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mental health services, older people, user views, advocacy;
Children and Youth Services Review, 31(8), August 2009, pp.879-884.
Publisher:
Elsevier
A growing body of research suggests that the “systems of care” approach to children's mental health can be effective in improving children's behaviour and reducing stress on their families. What is less understood is how systems of care achieve these improvements. Through a series of focus groups, this study examined parent advocates, a key but understudied element of systems of care. Focus groups were conducted with parent advocates to examine how they themselves perceive their role within the systems of care model of service delivery. A research team identified several consistent themes from the focus group transcripts: unique role of parent advocates; similarities and differences between advocates and care managers; and, the value of having personal experience. For example, parent advocates saw themselves as navigators for families, helping them understand the system and access traditional and non-traditional services. Because of their own experiences with mental health services, parent advocates also believe they can communicate with family members in ways that professionals cannot. Results from this study can help strengthen the role of parent advocates by clarifying their contributions to service delivery. Future research should measure the extent to which parent advocates can produce the benefits identified in this study.
A growing body of research suggests that the “systems of care” approach to children's mental health can be effective in improving children's behaviour and reducing stress on their families. What is less understood is how systems of care achieve these improvements. Through a series of focus groups, this study examined parent advocates, a key but understudied element of systems of care. Focus groups were conducted with parent advocates to examine how they themselves perceive their role within the systems of care model of service delivery. A research team identified several consistent themes from the focus group transcripts: unique role of parent advocates; similarities and differences between advocates and care managers; and, the value of having personal experience. For example, parent advocates saw themselves as navigators for families, helping them understand the system and access traditional and non-traditional services. Because of their own experiences with mental health services, parent advocates also believe they can communicate with family members in ways that professionals cannot. Results from this study can help strengthen the role of parent advocates by clarifying their contributions to service delivery. Future research should measure the extent to which parent advocates can produce the benefits identified in this study.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mental health services, parents, advocacy, children;
University of Central Lancashire. School of Health
Publication year:
2012
Pagination:
292
Place of publication:
Preston
Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) services were introduced in the Mental Health Act 2007. Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) became responsible for ensuring the availability of IMHA services in April 2009. An IMHA is a specialist type of mental health advocate, granted specific roles and responsibilities under the 2007 Act. The role of the IMHA is to help qualifying patients understand the legal provisions to which they are subject under the Mental Health Act 1983, the rights and safeguards to which they are entitled, and to help these patients to exercise their rights through supporting participation in decision-making. This review of the quality of IMHA provision across England was commissioned by the Department of Health. The study was undertaken by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in partnership with Equalities National Council, Aawaz, Manchester African Caribbean Mental Health Services and Comensus, a University-wide forum supporting the involvement of service users and carers in teaching and research. The main aim was to look at how IMHA services are providing help to patients under the 2007 Act, what makes for a good IMHA service, and what factors influence the quality of service provided. The study used different methods to gather information about how IMHA services are working in practice. A first stage involved: a focused literature review; 11 focus groups held across England with a range of stakeholders (advocates, mental health service users, IMHA partners, carers and mental health professionals); and shadow visits to IMHA services. A second stage involved gathering data in eight case study sites (mental health providers) to understand the experience of qualifying patients, the commissioning and delivery of IMHA services, and their relationship with mental health services. The case study sites were selected to reflect differences in the local population and the way IMHA services were organised and delivered. In total 214 people were interviewed, including 90 qualifying patients, 61 of whom had experience of using IMHA services. The report presents key findings on: experiences of the 2007 Act; access to, and understanding and provision of IMHA services; IMHA services and the diversity of qualifying patients; the mental health services context; the benefits of the service; commissioning IMHA services; and determining the quality of IMHA services. The report makes recommendations for government, the Care Quality Commission, commissioners, mental health services, IMHA services, service user, carer and community organisations, and higher education and training providers. This research has found that the IMHA role is valued and appreciated by service users, although its potential is not fully realised. Action is required to strengthen the capacity of such advocacy services; and future research needs to explore gaps in the evidence base and to further evaluate the impact of IMHA practice.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) services were introduced in the Mental Health Act 2007. Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) became responsible for ensuring the availability of IMHA services in April 2009. An IMHA is a specialist type of mental health advocate, granted specific roles and responsibilities under the 2007 Act. The role of the IMHA is to help qualifying patients understand the legal provisions to which they are subject under the Mental Health Act 1983, the rights and safeguards to which they are entitled, and to help these patients to exercise their rights through supporting participation in decision-making. This review of the quality of IMHA provision across England was commissioned by the Department of Health. The study was undertaken by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in partnership with Equalities National Council, Aawaz, Manchester African Caribbean Mental Health Services and Comensus, a University-wide forum supporting the involvement of service users and carers in teaching and research. The main aim was to look at how IMHA services are providing help to patients under the 2007 Act, what makes for a good IMHA service, and what factors influence the quality of service provided. The study used different methods to gather information about how IMHA services are working in practice. A first stage involved: a focused literature review; 11 focus groups held across England with a range of stakeholders (advocates, mental health service users, IMHA partners, carers and mental health professionals); and shadow visits to IMHA services. A second stage involved gathering data in eight case study sites (mental health providers) to understand the experience of qualifying patients, the commissioning and delivery of IMHA services, and their relationship with mental health services. The case study sites were selected to reflect differences in the local population and the way IMHA services were organised and delivered. In total 214 people were interviewed, including 90 qualifying patients, 61 of whom had experience of using IMHA services. The report presents key findings on: experiences of the 2007 Act; access to, and understanding and provision of IMHA services; IMHA services and the diversity of qualifying patients; the mental health services context; the benefits of the service; commissioning IMHA services; and determining the quality of IMHA services. The report makes recommendations for government, the Care Quality Commission, commissioners, mental health services, IMHA services, service user, carer and community organisations, and higher education and training providers. This research has found that the IMHA role is valued and appreciated by service users, although its potential is not fully realised. Action is required to strengthen the capacity of such advocacy services; and future research needs to explore gaps in the evidence base and to further evaluate the impact of IMHA practice.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
mental health services, mental health problems, advocacy, quality assurance, literature reviews, research, Independent Mental Health Advocacy;
University of Central Lancashire. School of Health
Publication year:
2012
Pagination:
35
Place of publication:
Preston
An Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) is a statutory mental health advocate, granted specific roles and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 2007. The Department of Health commissioned researchers at the University of Central Lancashire to undertake this study (UCLan) in partnership with Equalities National Council, Aawaz, Manchester African Caribbean Mental Health Services and Comensus, a University-wide forum supporting the involvement of service users and carers in teaching and research. The main aim was to look at how IMHA services are providing help to patients under the 2007 Act, what makes for a good IMHA service, and what factors influence the quality of service provided. The study used multiple methods to gather information about how IMHA services are working in practice. The study was undertaken in two stages, the first of which enabled the development of draft quality indicators for IMHA services. The second stage involved gathering data in eight case study sites (NHS Trust areas) to understand the experience of qualifying patients, and the commissioning and delivery of IMHA services and their relationship with mental health services. This report summarises the main findings on: experiences of the 2007 Act; access to, and understanding and provision of IMHA services; IMHA services and the diversity of qualifying patients; the mental health services context; the benefits of the service; commissioning IMHA services; and determining the quality of IMHA services. The findings confirm that there is a role for IMHA and that this role is valued by IMHA partners, but that most is not being made of this opportunity.
(Edited publisher abstract)
An Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) is a statutory mental health advocate, granted specific roles and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 2007. The Department of Health commissioned researchers at the University of Central Lancashire to undertake this study (UCLan) in partnership with Equalities National Council, Aawaz, Manchester African Caribbean Mental Health Services and Comensus, a University-wide forum supporting the involvement of service users and carers in teaching and research. The main aim was to look at how IMHA services are providing help to patients under the 2007 Act, what makes for a good IMHA service, and what factors influence the quality of service provided. The study used multiple methods to gather information about how IMHA services are working in practice. The study was undertaken in two stages, the first of which enabled the development of draft quality indicators for IMHA services. The second stage involved gathering data in eight case study sites (NHS Trust areas) to understand the experience of qualifying patients, and the commissioning and delivery of IMHA services and their relationship with mental health services. This report summarises the main findings on: experiences of the 2007 Act; access to, and understanding and provision of IMHA services; IMHA services and the diversity of qualifying patients; the mental health services context; the benefits of the service; commissioning IMHA services; and determining the quality of IMHA services. The findings confirm that there is a role for IMHA and that this role is valued by IMHA partners, but that most is not being made of this opportunity.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mental health services, advocacy, quality assurance, research, mental capacity, Independent Mental Health Advocacy;
Mental health advocacy is a relatively new concept, developed with a view to reducing stigma and discrimination, and promoting the human rights of people with mental disorders. It consists of various actions aimed at changing the major structural and attitudinal barriers to achieving positive mental health outcomes in populations. This module draws attention to the importance of advocacy in mental health policy and service development. The roles of various mental health groups in advocacy are outlined. Practical steps are then recommended, indicating how ministries of health can support advocacy. Part of a series on good practice in mental health care.
Mental health advocacy is a relatively new concept, developed with a view to reducing stigma and discrimination, and promoting the human rights of people with mental disorders. It consists of various actions aimed at changing the major structural and attitudinal barriers to achieving positive mental health outcomes in populations. This module draws attention to the importance of advocacy in mental health policy and service development. The roles of various mental health groups in advocacy are outlined. Practical steps are then recommended, indicating how ministries of health can support advocacy. Part of a series on good practice in mental health care.
Extended abstract:
Author
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION.
Title
Advocacy for mental health.
Publisher
World Health Organization, 2003
Summary
This module, part of the Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance package, draws attention to the importance of advocacy in mental health policy and service development. The roles of various mental health groups in advocacy are outlined and practical steps are recommended, indicating how ministries of health can support advocacy.
Context
Mental health advocacy is a relatively new concept, developed with a view to reducing stigma and discrimination and promoting the human rights of people with mental disorders. It consists of various actions aimed at changing the major structural and attitudinal barriers to achieving positive mental health outcomes in populations. Advocacy in this field began when the families of people with mental disorders first made their voices heard. People with mental disorders then added their own contributions. Gradually, these people and their families were joined and supported by a range of organisations, many mental health workers and their associations, and some governments. Recently, the concept of advocacy has been broadened to include the needs and rights of persons with mild mental disorders and the mental health needs and rights of the general population.
Contents
The book begins with an executive summary, aims, and the target audience. The aims are given as to provide guidance to ministries of health on the development of mental health advocacy in countries or regions, and the audience as policy-makers and public health professionals in ministries of health (or health offices) of countries or large administrative divisions of countries (regions, states, provinces); advocacy groups representing people with mental disorders and their families; and general health workers and mental health workers.
Chapter 1 asks what advocacy is and why it is important, discussing the concept of mental health advocacy, barriers to mental health, positive mental health outcomes, the development of the mental health advocacy movement, and the importance of mental health advocacy. The roles of different groups in advocacy is discussed in Chapter 2: consumers and families, non-governmental organisations, general health workers and mental health workers, and policy makers and planners. Chapter 3 explains how ministries of health can support advocacy activities with consumer groups, family groups and non-governmental organisations, with general health workers and mental health workers, with policy-makers and planners, and with the general population. Detailed steps, subdivided into tasks, are given. General strategies for supporting advocacy activities with the general population, and the role of the mass media in advocacy, are also discussed. Examples of good practice in advocacy from Brazil , Italy , Uganda , Australia , Mexico , Spain and Mongolia are given in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 gives barriers and solutions to supporting advocacy from ministries of health. Barriers include resistance from policy-makers and planners, division and friction between mental health advocacy groups, resistance and antagonism from general health workers and mental health workers, very few people seem interested in mental health advocacy, confusion about the theories and rationale of mental health advocacy, and there are few or no consumer groups, family groups or non-governmental organisations dedicated to mental health advocacy. Solutions for all are given. Chapter 6 gives recommendations for countries with no, few and several advocacy groups. Information is also given in boxes, and most chapters end with key points. Definitions, further reading and references end the book.
34 references
Subject terms:
mental health care, mental health problems, mental health services, rights, United Nations, advocacy;
This toolbox is a place to come for ideas, suggestions and contact details to help you ensure your advocacy partner has a voice, is listened to and is taken seriously by others who can bring about change. It is particularly useful for anyone advocating for a person with high support needs by which we mean anyone who does not communicate using words, has significant barriers to communication and/or complex physical, health or emotional needs and requires lots of extra support as a result. This could include people who have a learning disability with sight or hearing difficulties or those with a mental illness or autism. There is no one ‘right’ way to advocate. The important thing is to collect together a number of different tools and use these in whatever combination will produce the required results.
This toolbox is a place to come for ideas, suggestions and contact details to help you ensure your advocacy partner has a voice, is listened to and is taken seriously by others who can bring about change. It is particularly useful for anyone advocating for a person with high support needs by which we mean anyone who does not communicate using words, has significant barriers to communication and/or complex physical, health or emotional needs and requires lots of extra support as a result. This could include people who have a learning disability with sight or hearing difficulties or those with a mental illness or autism. There is no one ‘right’ way to advocate. The important thing is to collect together a number of different tools and use these in whatever combination will produce the required results.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mental health problems, multiple disabilities, advocacy, autism, communication disorders;
Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 26(4), 2004, pp.377-396.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Social Role Valorisation theory, advanced to enhance the lives of disadvantaged groups of people, and has addressed community care and lay advocacy for patients and users but has ignored the roles of relatives and carers. The nearest relative was introduced as a legal category under the Mental Health Act 1959 without a theoretical base, although it was perceived as a safeguard and a way of supporting advocacy for patients. Discusses recent proposals to reform legislation, which would enhance the role of patient advocacy whilst the nearest relative will be replaced by the new roles of nominated person and carer. Also reports on nearest relative research completed as part of a PhD thesis which investigated conceptual and ethical issues surrounding the powers of the nearest relative; what relatives and services users know of these powers; how rights being assigned to the nearest relative are currently being exercised; and whether the rights and powers are appropriate and whether there are any recommendations for reform. A total of 36 carers, 21 service users and 24 ASW's participated in the focus groups for the research.
Social Role Valorisation theory, advanced to enhance the lives of disadvantaged groups of people, and has addressed community care and lay advocacy for patients and users but has ignored the roles of relatives and carers. The nearest relative was introduced as a legal category under the Mental Health Act 1959 without a theoretical base, although it was perceived as a safeguard and a way of supporting advocacy for patients. Discusses recent proposals to reform legislation, which would enhance the role of patient advocacy whilst the nearest relative will be replaced by the new roles of nominated person and carer. Also reports on nearest relative research completed as part of a PhD thesis which investigated conceptual and ethical issues surrounding the powers of the nearest relative; what relatives and services users know of these powers; how rights being assigned to the nearest relative are currently being exercised; and whether the rights and powers are appropriate and whether there are any recommendations for reform. A total of 36 carers, 21 service users and 24 ASW's participated in the focus groups for the research.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, relatives, service users, social role valorisation, advocacy, approved social workers, carers;