AdvoConnect provides independent mental health advocacy for people affected by mental disorder in Scotland, supporting people to have their voices heard in decisions about their care and treatment.
We don't make decisions for you. We help you have your voice heard.
Independent advocacyAbout AdvoConnect
We work alongside people, helping them understand information, explore their options, express their views and communicate what matters to them.
AdvoConnect is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) established to advance health and relieve those in need by reason of ill-health through the provision of independent mental health advocacy in Scotland.
We support people affected by mental disorder to have their views, wishes and concerns heard, particularly when decisions are being made about their mental health, care and treatment.
Our purpose
Our mission is to provide independent mental health advocacy for people affected by mental disorder in Scotland, helping people understand their rights, express their views and participate meaningfully in decisions about their care and treatment.
We work alongside people to help ensure that their voices are heard and that they are supported to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Looking ahead
We envision a Scotland where people affected by mental disorder are listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and able to participate meaningfully in decisions about their care and treatment.
We want people to have access to independent mental health advocacy when they need support to understand information, express their views or have their voice heard.
What guides us
Our objectives are centred on improving people's ability to participate, make informed choices and have their voices heard.
Provide independent mental health advocacy to people affected by mental disorder in Scotland.
Support people to express their views, wishes and concerns about their mental health, care and treatment.
Help people understand information relating to decisions about their mental health, care and treatment.
Support people to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.
Promote people's rights, dignity, equality, respect and inclusion.
Help reduce barriers that may prevent people affected by mental disorder from having their voices heard.
Provide advocacy particularly for people who are subject to, or affected by, the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Work collaboratively with individuals, communities and relevant organisations in support of independent advocacy.
Learn from people's experiences to improve the quality and accessibility of independent mental health advocacy.
How we can help
AdvoConnect provides independent mental health advocacy for people affected by mental disorder in Scotland. We support people to have their views heard and to participate in decisions about their care and treatment.
AdvoConnect provides independent mental health advocacy for people affected by mental disorder in Scotland.
We support people to express their views, understand information and participate in decisions about their mental health, care and treatment.
Support to communicate your views, wishes and concerns.
Help to understand information about your care and treatment.
Support to prepare for meetings and important conversations.
Help to communicate what matters to you with relevant professionals.
Support to ask questions and raise concerns about your care.
Support to understand and exercise relevant rights.
Independent advocacy can help people understand their rights and make sure their views are heard when important decisions are being made about their mental health and treatment.
We work alongside people, helping them communicate what matters to them and participate as fully as possible in decisions that affect their lives.
We provide independent mental health advocacy for people affected by mental disorder, including people subject to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Advocacy can help people understand information, express their views, raise concerns and participate in relevant decisions about their care and treatment.
Our role is to support the person's voice and independence.
We aim to make independent mental health advocacy accessible to people who may experience barriers to having their views heard.
Where appropriate, advocacy can be provided in settings where people are receiving care or support.
Your rights
If you are affected by mental disorder in Scotland, you may have a right to access independent advocacy. AdvoConnect supports people to understand information, express their views and participate in decisions about their care and treatment.
Section 259 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 provides people with a mental disorder with a right of access to independent advocacy.
Independent advocacy can help you communicate your views, wishes and concerns and have as much involvement as possible in decisions about your care and welfare.
We don't make decisions for you. We help you have your voice heard.
We support you to express your views, wishes and concerns.
We can help you understand information about your care and treatment.
We support you to take part in decisions that affect your life.
Our role is to support your voice, not make decisions on your behalf.
Make a difference
Your experience, time or support can help make advocacy stronger.
Your experience can make a difference. Sharing your story can help us understand what is working, identify barriers and improve the way advocacy is delivered.
Share your experience →Whether you have professional experience, lived experience or simply want to contribute to your community, we'd love to hear from you.
Become a volunteer →Your support can help us reach more people who may need independent advocacy. Every contribution helps us put people's voices at the centre.
Support our work →Evidence & learning
Good advocacy should be informed by evidence and, most importantly, by the experiences of the people who use services. We aim to learn from people's experiences and share relevant information that can contribute to better understanding of independent advocacy.
We will share reports, publications and other resources relating to independent mental health advocacy, people's rights, participation and the experiences of people affected by mental disorder.
As AdvoConnect develops its work, this section will provide access to our published reports, findings and learning.
View Reports →We believe people with lived experience should have opportunities to contribute to discussions about the services, policies and decisions that affect their lives.
AdvoConnect may contribute to relevant consultations and, where appropriate, share our responses and learning.
View Consultations →People behind AdvoConnect
Our trustees are committed to putting people and their voices at the heart of everything we do.
They bring together a range of skills, knowledge and experience, with a shared commitment to independent advocacy and improving outcomes for people experiencing ill-health.
Our work starts with listening.
Trustee at AdvoConnect
Trustee at AdvoConnect
Trustee at AdvoConnect
Trustee at AdvoConnect
Trustee at AdvoConnect
Our partners
Our work is made possible through the support of funders and partners who share our commitment to improving people's health, wellbeing and ability to have their voices heard.
We are grateful for the support that enables AdvoConnect to provide independent advocacy and develop services that respond to the needs of the people and communities we support.
Contact AdvoConnect
If you have a question, need more information or would like to contact AdvoConnect, please use the form.
Contact AdvoConnect
We want to hear when things haven't gone right. Your concerns will be treated seriously and respectfully.
Get involved
Your experience can help us understand what is working, identify barriers and improve advocacy services.
Get involved
We would love to hear from people who want to contribute their skills, experience or time.
Support AdvoConnect
Your support can help us reach more people who need independent advocacy.
You can make a secure donation using PayPal, JustGiving or a debit or credit card through Stripe.
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