Phone: 07811 040091
Email: [email protected] 
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm

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What we do:

Advocacy

Advocacy is based on the principle that all people are of equal value and therefore are entitled to equal rights. The advocacy service offers support to people who feel that their views are not being heard, or acted upon, regarding their mental health care and any decision that may affect their daily lives.

Mental Health Case advocacy

We provide independent case advocacy which is short term and issue based. An advocate will assist you make an informed decision around specific issues you may be experiencing, and support you to exercise your right to have your views heard.

Some examples of areas an advocate may be able to assist you may be:

• Discuss options regarding a potential decision or course of action
• Support you with making a complaint or challenging a decision
• Assist you to access information regarding the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007) and other legislation
• Liaise with professionals on your behalf
• Support you to prepare for and attend appointments with professionals to ensure your voice is heard

An advocate will not judge or make a decision for you; they will merely offer you the information to make an informed choice and then support you to express your wishes.

Who is this service for?

The South Tyneside Advocacy service is an independent and free case advocacy service, available to people aged over 18 with mental health problems (a formal diagnosis is not required) who are living in, or registered with a GP in, the South Tyneside area. We help represent a person’s views concerning their care and decisions affecting their daily lives.

How do I access the service?

You can contact the service yourself to get support, or a GP/CPN/Social Worker etc. can make a referral on your behalf. You or the person making a referral on your behalf will need to complete a short form. You can complete this over the phone, or ask for it to be emailed/posted to you if you prefer. If someone is making a referral on your behalf, they are likely to already have a copy of the form which they need to complete – if not, they can contact us to get one.