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Bromley Advocacy Project
The Bromley Advocacy Project was formed by Bromley Mental Health Forum and
health service user groups to assist people who have a mental health problem. It does this by matching advocates with partners, on a one to one basis.
The advocates are ordinary people with basic life skills, who have the ability to
listen, can put themselves in someone else's shoes, are able to to seek
support when they need it, and who don't have any overwhelming problems of
their own.
The partners are people who have a mental health problem and who are
experiencing difficulties in getting their point across or having their needs met and managing life in general. Many people suffering mental distress feel that they are not listened to, they feel rejected and isolated and need someone to stand up with them and for them.
An advocates role is to support the partner in expressing their needs, to overcome other people's prejudices and deal with the many difficulties life can present. They act independently on behalf of the partner and their role will depend upon the partners social and economic background. They can act as a guide, a spokesperson, a companion, or simply a friend. Advocates help people who are disadvantaged by mental health problems to realise their full potential to lead fulfilling lives by supporting them and helping them to obtain their rights and privilages as a citizen.
If you would like to find out more about becoming an advocate for a partner with mental health difficulties, get in touch with the Bromley Advocacy Project at St Mary's Church House 61 College Road, Bromley, telephone 020 8313 0259.
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