Powys People First champion self-advocacy

 

We have written about advocacy, and mental health advocacy services, on the blog a few times now, including Connecting with the mental health advocates when we found out more about the three different advocacy roles in Powys.

Today we talk to Rosie Mellerick-Wheeler, who works for Powys People First, about self-advocacy. Powys People First helps to organise self-advocacy groups for people with a learning disability across Powys. We were interested to know how self-advocacy could work for people experiencing poor mental health.

What brought you to work in the field of self-advocacy?

My background is in drama, and I wanted to go down the road of dramatherapy. So, I first volunteered with Theatr Wildcats (a drama group based on self-advocacy and the sister project to Powys People First) in 2014 and at the time had no clue what self-advocacy was! 

From there I learnt about Powys People First and the amazing work they do. Fast forward to 2018 and I started to work as a self-advocacy facilitator for Powys People First and Theatr Wildcats.

What is self-advocacy?

I asked the members the following few questions as they are the experts on self advocacy and the benefits!

• Speaking up for yourself and having your voice heard. 
• Letting people know what and how we want things. 
• Asking for help if we need it. 
• Supporting each other as well as ourselves. 
• Being inclusive.
  
  

Why is it important for people to speak up?

• To make sure we get the right support and help if needed. 
• To feel in control of your own life. 
• To make sure we make the choices that effect our lives. 
• It is good for your mental health, to be happy and be in a place that makes you smile. 
• It helps with sad and angry emotions, there is less frustration when our voices are heard.

What could happen if people didn’t speak up?

• People would feel upset and not have their voices heard.
• Mental health would be bad as feel angry, sad and tearful.
• We could get the wrong help and support, instead of being independent we rely on others.
• We might end up in hospital, feeling poorly and not being able to explain to anyone.

What are the benefits of self-advocacy over having an independent advocate? Can you do both at the same time?

There are benefits for both and both are useful for different issues. You can do them at the same time, most independent advocates would love people to build up the confidence to self-advocate. However, never be afraid to ask for help and support!

What are the main skills for being a good self-advocate?

Communication and listening!

You work in the learning disability field. Can self-advocacy work just as well in the mental health world?

Yes self-advocacy can work in any world, most of us do it each day without realising. What we are going to eat, where we live for example. 

Unfortunately for some people who need extra support these choices can be taken away from them and decided by others. This is where self-advocacy groups who can support each other to be a self-advocate are so important.

Give us some examples of where people could self-advocate

Daily decisions on what you are doing for the day, wearing, eating. Bigger decisions such as having a relationship or where you live. 

During lockdown some people realised they wanted to move (due to spending more time with housemates and not getting on) so speaking up and explaining this to support was important. Otherwise, people would be unhappy in their own homes.

Can people learn to self-advocate and if so how?

Yes, come along to a self-advocacy group! Independent advocates are also there to support you in speaking up and building confidence.

You run self-advocacy groups for people living with a learning disability. Why are the groups important?

Unfortunately, people with a learning disability are not always listened to and the correct support is not always there. As a group we can come together with people from similar backgrounds and experiences to talk through what we want. Our voices are stronger together.

Tell us more about the role of a Volunteer Advocate

Being a volunteer is amazing! We have many wonderful volunteers within our organisation (BCA Independent Advocacy Services) from advocates, self-advocates, drama facilitators etc. Volunteers with Powys People First come along to our groups and help facitlate discussions, making sure everyone has had a chance to be heard. We also run make and talk sessions so coming up with craft ideas and supporting members. Mostly it is about being a good listener!

What are the main challenges of your role?

Time and funding! Unfortunately it is difficult to get core funding for self-advocacy so there is always the worry about the future.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done so far in regard to self-advocacy

This is really difficult to answer as everyday is different and presents new challenges and lots of wins! I guess watching the Theatr Wildcats company on stage, being visible in the community (we go out and about exploring the local areas) and getting us onto Zoom during lockdown!

When you are not working for Powys People First, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I also run a youth theatre and theatre company, Ghost Light in Brecon which is great fun. When I’m not at the theatre I enjoy spending time with my beautiful 6 year old daughter, Edith and walking my dog Bear.

Many thanks to Rosie for telling us all more about self-advocacy. If you want to find out more you can contact Powys People First by emailing powyspeoplefirst@hotmail.co.uk or ringing 01874 622 240.

How can Independent Mental Health Advocacy help you?

Last summer we featured Connecting with the mental health advocates in which we found out more about the three different advocacy roles in Powys, and met some of the advocates themselves – in particular those based in Powys. 

Today we talk to Adrianne Cleverly, who works for Conwy & Denbighshire Mental Health Advocacy Services, but actually provides an advocacy service for Powys (which is commissioned by Powys Teaching Health Board). I met Adrianne earlier this year, and we all agreed it was important to try to raise awareness of the advocacy service available in the county.

Tell us what brought you to work in the field of mental health advocacy?

I was fortunate enough, and lucky enough, to fall into the field of mental health advocacy – by complete accident. I was working in child protection; within that role I was working with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and acting as an advocate for some of the children I was working with. The role was so varied that my experiences spread further than I had even realised because when you are doing the job you take those things forgranted and just get on with it. One day someone showed me the job advert for an IMHA (Independent Mental Health Advocate). When I read the job specification, I could not believe a job like this existed. I applied for the job, and what can I say, three years later, I still love the role and still feel lucky enough to work in this position. I love my job! You definitely have job satisfaction when you work as an IMHA. Sometimes the differences you make can seem trivial but the difference you are making to the person is so much more. It is such a rewarding job.

What is your role at CADMHAS and which area do you cover?

My role at CADMHAS is an Independent Mental Health Advocate. Within this role I cover the South Powys hospitals - Ystradgynlais, Bronllys and Brecon. Within the role of IMHA my role means that I visit the hospital wards and meet with qualifying patients (people admitted to hospital for their mental health). I work with them within the remit of accessing their rights under the Mental Health Act and support them with anything to do with medication, treatment and care.

I also deliver awareness raising sessions in North Powys. Those hospitals are Phoenix House, Welshpool, Machynlleth, Newtown, Knighton, Llanidloes and Llandrindod. As part of awareness raising I also work with the community mental health teams which are Ty Illtyd and The Hazels, additionally other professionals that might also be working with the same people as myself, should the scenario require me to.

Many people don’t know about the advocacy service. What are the key benefits of having an advocate?

The benefits of having an advocate will vary for the individual and depend on why they felt they needed/wanted an advocate in the first place. For some people they may have more than one admission to a hospital ward and they may want an advocate on one visit and not another. The beauty of the role is that it is led by the individual. It is not the choice of the professionals or the family, but the choice of the individual.

One main benefit of having an advocate is to ensure that you have a voice when you need it. Also the reassurance of knowing that someone is making sure your voice is heard. Other benefits include empowerment to have a voice. Receiving the knowledge and understanding and being helped and supported to understand your rights when you are in hospital or having some experience of the Mental Health Act (maybe living in the community but being on a Community Treatment Order or Guardianship). Also, having the availability to access those rights. Additional benefits are to feel supported by an independent professional and feeling like someone is on your side.

What key qualities does a good mental health advocate need to have?

The qualities of a good mental health advocate are simple; they will be non-judgemental and listen to what the person is actually saying. An advocate needs to be a good listener, they will be well informed and skilful. They will have confidence in themselves and be comfortable enough to stand up for the person’s rights.

Just for clarity, can you very briefly summarise the three different mental health advocacy roles?

Independent Mental Health Advocate 

An Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) means the qualifying patient has access to an IMHA which is a statutory right for people detained under most sections of the Mental Health Act, subject to Guardianship or on a community treatment order (CTO). When someone is detained in hospital or on a CTO it can be a very confusing and distressing experience. 

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate 

An Independent Mental Capacity Advocate is available to everyone surrounding the care, treatment and support of people aged 16 and over living in England and Wales who lacks capacity to make all or some decisions for themselves in specific areas. These areas being change in accommodation, care reviews, safeguarding issues and serious medical treatment. An IMCA will also be involved in those detained under a Deprivation of Liberty order. The Mental Capacity Act is designed to protect and restore power to those vulnerable people who lack capacity. 

Community Mental Health Advocate 

Community Mental Health Advocates provide and offer representation and support at meetings and appointments to people who have been treated for their mental health and are now living in the community. An advocate is someone who will listen to your worries and problems and work alongside you to achieve your aims. Advocates are a valuable source of information and can help the people who use their service to feel in control of their own lives – to feel empowered. 

Can an individual be supported by all three types of advocate at once – IMHA, IMCA and Community Mental Health advocate? If so how does that work?

Yes an individual can be supported by all three advocates. All advocates work in different ways so if a person needs support in different areas they will be eligible for different advocates. An IMHA will work with an individual within the remit of medication, treatment and care.

An example of this would be if a patient is on a Community Treatment Order they will be eligible for the support of an IMHA who will support the individual with representation at a managers' hearing or tribunal. They may also have been deemed to lack the capacity to make a decision on their placement so they will then be eligible to have the support of an IMCA as IMCAs will work with the individual around this. They then might need support with things like pension and finances, so they will then require the support of a community mental health advocate.

What happens when a carer refers but the patient/individual does not want to engage?

This goes to the heart of advocacy. The individual is the one that instructs the advocate and decides if they want to work with us. If a person has capacity to understand the role of an IMHA and they don’t want an advocate that is their choice we would not force ourselves on them. The work of an IMHA is client led. If the individual doesn’t want to work with an IMHA, we cannot make them. We can ensure that we give them plenty of choices and just be available for them if they change their mind.

If the person does not have capacity then we can still work with them, but it will be in a non-instructed way. This means that we work with the family and professionals to establish as much information as we can and then work in the person’s best interest.

If someone is placed in a hospital or unit outside Powys, can you still support them? 

Usually our role would stop but we would signpost to other agencies.

If a patient is placed on a Community Treatment Order (CTO) what support can you provide as an advocate?

If a patient is placed on a community treatment order, our role would remain the same as if we were visiting them in hospital, but we would visit them in the community instead. We would still work with them around their medication, treatment and care and we would also attend meetings with them around these themes. We would also still support them with their rights under the mental health act and support them at managers' meeting and appeals.

Which organisations do you work most closely with in Powys? 

As an advocate in Powys there are quite a few organisations we have worked with. The main people we work with are Social Services and Community Mental Health teams. Additionally we also work with organisations like Age Cymru and the Alzheimers Society. We also work with the ward staff, and Best Interest Assessors.

What are the main challenges of your role?

Some of the main challenges experienced are having the ability to manage the expectations of not only the client but also their family. Another challenge is when delays happen and it is completely out of our control but there is an expectation on us to make it happen. Another challenge would be the conflict of interest and other people’s understanding of our role, including professionals.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done so far with CADMHAS?

For me personally, the most rewarding part of my job is when the client gets what they want! Especially when the work started it was not even a possibility, knowing that you have made that difference to that person. This includes things like making sure the clients are listened to and that there is communication between staff and patients.

When you are not working for CADMHAS, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I love to spend time with my family, doing things like mountain biking, surfing and walking. I enjoy listening to music, reading and cooking. It sounds a bit cliché but I love the ‘normality’ and chaos of family life! 

Many thanks to Adrianne for telling us all about her work as a mental health advocate. If you want to find out more you can contact the Powys Independent Mental Health Advocacy Service managed by CADMHAS by emailing admin@cadmhas.co.uk or ringing 01745 816501.

Connecting with the mental health advocates

Powys mental health advocates Kirstie Morgan and Lynda Evans

“Advocacy”, it says on a whiteboard opposite my desk, is “taking action to help people: say what they want, secure their rights, and obtain the services they need.”

Many are the times I have signposted people calling our Information Service to the mental health advocates working in Powys. Last week two of them, Lynda Evans (North Powys), and Kirstie Morgan (South Powys), came along to the July team meeting of the PAVO Community Connectors to update them about the advocacy services available in the county. I was lucky enough to join them, and this is what we found out.

The three different advocacy roles in Powys

Independent Mental Health Advocate

This role was introduced in 2007 when the Mental Health Act was revised and advocacy was put on the statute books. Advocates suddenly had rights which they had not enjoyed before, such as advocating for mental health patients in hospital, on a Community Treatment Order, or detained under the Mental Health Act.

The provision is much broader in Wales than in England. Anyone in a hospital bed in Wales who is being treated for a mental health “disorder” is entitled to a mental health advocate. The IMHA can support someone who wants to challenge, for example, their detention under a Section 3 of the MHA.

IMHAs can also go into a ward and observe a patient’s treatment and interactions with staff – they cannot be prevented from doing so except in extreme circumstances – such as if the client is unwell and may present a danger to the advocate. IMHAs may, in addition, interview psychiatrists and social workers in private, access the medical notes with permission and share information with the client.

With her IMHA hat on Lynda ensures that proper process is followed, and that a person’s rights are upheld. “If a patient is told they can’t have leave because they’ve not been good, that is punishment. They can’t do that. There has to be a clinical reason to stop leave.” In another situation, a patient who is not being detained under a section may be told that they will be detained if they don’t behave. “This is wrong and totally illegal. Our job is to challenge on behalf of a patient. The first loyalty is always to the client/patient”.

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduced the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate. An IMCA is instructed either by Health or Social Services, not by the patient as they lack capacity. The lack of capacity may be due to a brain injury, mental health issues or dementia. IMCAs can be called on when treatment is about to start or to be withdrawn, and the patient has no family or friends who can be consulted. Or, there could be safeguarding issues which mean that it is not appropriate for the family to act on the best interests of the client.

An IMCA has many roles, including:

1. To support the client whilst a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessment is made. The Alzheimer’s Society states that: “If a care home or hospital plans to deprive a person of their liberty… they must get permission. To do this, they must follow strict processes called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). DoLS are a set of checks that are designed to ensure that a person who is deprived of their liberty is protected, and that this course of action is both appropriate and in the person’s best interests.” So, for example, when rehousing someone in a nursing home it is important to consider a person’s preferences (they may previously have preferred the countryside to the town).
2. To support a family member who feels overwhelmed by the whole process of being the “relevant person’s representative” – who must be kept informed about the person’s care and treatment and any changes to it.
3. To visit the nursing home once a month to make sure all is as it should be. 

Community Mental Health Advocate

People in contact with statutory mental health services from age 18 and over in Powys are entitled to receive support from a Community MH Advocate if they wish. Those in receipt of local primary mental health support services (ie: through a GP surgery) have to be screened first as so many people seek support for mental distress from a GP.

The majority of the work in this area is for people supported by secondary mental health such as Community Mental Health Teams and Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Teams. Kirstie explained that the work is vast and varied. The work could be long or short-term depending on the situation or the nature of the issue. “Quite often people are very poorly before they come to us and have to address a number of issues.”

Clients can self-refer, be referred by a relative or the voluntary sector (Mind centres or Ponthafren Association for example), or via the Community Mental Health Teams. “People see advocates when everything has gone wrong. In cases where the individuals have a dual diagnosis and their mental health is the prominent issue we will advocate. We work alongside many projects and advocacy schemes in Powys. Our aim is to build a good rapport and understanding with the client and there is a high level of professional trust.”

People have an entitlement under the Mental Health Measure (Wales) to access the CMHT duty desk and regain entry to services within 3 years. Advocates can support clients with this process.

Appropriate Adults

Kirstie and Lynda will also sometimes act as Appropriate Adults at police stations in the county to support and advise vulnerable people known to advocacy in police custody. The mental health charity Hafal is the main provider of Appropriate Adults in Powys.

A bit more about our Powys advocates

Lynda has been an advocate for 14 years now She is employed by Powys Teaching Health Board to be an IMCA and a community advocate, and for a small number of hours a week by Conwy & Denbighshire Mental Health Advocacy Service to be an IMHA in North Powys. Her current base is Fan Gorau at the Montgomery County Infirmary in Newtown, tel: 07736 120 924.

Kirstie is employed as a Community Mental Health Advocate by Powys Teaching Health Board, and provides advocacy in Mid and South Powys. She has worked in the field for 13 years now and is currently based at Neuadd Brycheiniog in Brecon, tel: 01874 615996 or mobile: 07967 808 145.

Linda Woodward also provides IMCA services across the county, and community advocacy for over 65s in North Powys. She is based with Lynda at Fan Gorau and can be contacted on 07974 935 355.

CADMHAS employs three other advocates in Powys – John Curtis in the North, and Adrianne Cleverly and Jane Wazir cover the South. You can contact them by ringing: 01745 816501.

Jill Ball - speaking up for older people in Powys

After 4 years working in PAVO’s Powys Befrienders’ team, Jill Ball recently started a new role at Age Cymru Powys as an Independent Advocate. Age Cymru Powys is the largest voluntary sector organisation providing support to people over 60 in Powys, Mid Wales, covering the old shire counties of Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire and Brecknockshire.

The organisation works to sustain and improve the quality of life of vulnerable older people in Powys. It believes that older people should be respected and valued as individuals in terms of their dignity, status, personal autonomy, diversity of needs, aspirations and expectations.

I caught up with Jill at her base in Newtown to find out more.

Tell us about your new role with Age Cymru Powys

My role as an advocate is to take action to help people say what they want to say, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain the services they need. I meet with people daily and listen to the issues that are of concern to them, provide them with information, and discuss with them the options that are available to them. If required I assist them with contacting third parties and written correspondence. As an independent advocate my role is impartial and non-directive. 

What is joyful about the role is that in supporting others to access the services they may need, or by them resolving an issue that has been of great concern to them, they then can continue to enjoy happy and fulfilling lives.

Which areas of Powys do you cover?

My base is at the Age Cymru Powys Centre, Parkers Lane in Newtown. The area I cover is the North of Powys and my colleague Louise Hicks covers the South of the county. I have an advocacy drop-in session every Tuesday 9 - 12.30 at our Newtown Centre. If required I visit clients at home or in a care home, wherever they reside.

How is the new job going so far?

I am enjoying it tremendously; the work is varied and interesting, people consult the advocacy service for many different reasons. They may wish to investigate what other accommodation is available to them now that their own needs have changed, which may be due to bereavement or an escalation of care needs. A client may be unhappy about the care they are in receipt of, and need assistance with knowing who to contact and may need assistance with getting their voice heard. I support clients when there may be conflict in their family, to reinforce their wishes.

Who can be referred to the Age Cymru Powys service and how?

The service is free, independent and confidential and is for people over the age of 60 living in Powys. People can self refer into the service or can be referred into the service by a third party, with their consent. 

North/Mid Powys telephone 01686 623707, email : support@acpowys.org.uk 

South/Mid Powys telephone 01597 825908, email : enquiries@acpowys.org.uk 

If people have been living alone and isolated for a long time what kind of support might they need?

Someone who can listen to what their needs are, and then to provide them with up to date and accurate information on what is available to them. They are then able to make informed choices whether that be in relation to their health, care, finances or social needs. If they need support to access a service, whatever that may be, Age Cymru Powys is able to guide them through this process.

How can the kind of support Age Cymru Powys offers impact on people’s physical and emotional wellbeing?

People are less anxious and more confident because they have the support and knowledge to face whatever problem they may be experiencing. The service is accessible. People say they enjoy the face to face contact and build up a good rapport with staff members. 

Age Cymru Powys also offers a toenail cutting service throughout the county which is a much needed and well supported service. 

The information and advice service provides benefits' information and assistance in completing forms and with financial security comes peace of mind. Age Cymru provides an extensive range of literature on all subjects relating to older people, from adaptations to their home, to power of attorney information. When people are informed they are then able to make decisions about their future which impacts on their wellbeing.

If people don’t receive the support they need, what can happen to them?

People can become socially isolated which can impact on their physical and mental health. Worst case scenarios could be that people become impoverished as they may not access the financial assistance that is available to them, which could affect their tenancy. They may become neglected as their personal care needs are not being met.

Which other organisations do you work closely with, either locally in Powys, or in the rest of the UK, to provide support to people?

Mind Cymru, Community Mental Health Team, Ponthafren, GP practices, other health professionals, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, District Nurses, Speech and Hearing Loss teams, Care Agencies, Abacare, Red Cross, Action for Hearing Loss, RNIB, Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, Credu Connecting Carers, Powys County Council, Department for Work & Pensions, Environmental Health, Disability Powys, Citizens Advice, Kaleidoscope, Alzheimer’s Society, Parkinson’s UK, Age UK, Stroke Association, Care and Repair... a long list!

Tell us what an “age friendly Wales” looks like to you personally

One in which all people feel valued. Communities provide services dictated by those who reside there. Where there are no barriers to services. Where everyone has someone to have a chat with and spend time with and where all individuals are celebrated and cherished.

What are the main challenges of the role?

Very long waiting times on the telephone to get through to some services. The distances one has to travel; less travelling time would enable me to see more people.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done at Age Cymru Powys so far

I have enabled a very elderly lady to stay in the care home of her choice. Supported a lady with hearing loss to solve her internet problems, so that she can email her family in South Africa and keep in touch with her grandchildren. Helped someone to understand all the care and accommodation options available to them, as they were given notice on their rented property. They are now living independently within a complex that has someone on the premises 24 hours a day and should they require a greater level of support in time this will be available to them.

When you are not working for Age Cymru Powys, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I enjoy spending my time in my garden and greenhouse and with my two little grand-daughters, and whenever possible I love a trip to the seaside, particularly our beautiful Welsh coast.

Many thanks to Jill for updating us about her new role. If you want to find out more about the Age Cymru Powys service you can contact Jill by emailing: jill.ball@agecymru.org.uk or ring 01686 623707.

We are all in it together

This week's guest post is from Philip Moody, who is an Adult Carer Outreach Worker and Carers' Advocate in North Powys for Powys Carers Service.

I was visiting the PAVO offices at Plas Dolerw just to get my post and Jackie Newey, Project Officer PAVO's Powys Mental Health Information Service, waylaid me and asked me if I would write this blog post. Seriously Jackie, thanks for asking me. So here is some information about Powys Carers Services and a few rambled thoughts.

I have worked with Powys Carers Service for 13 years as an Outreach Worker/Advocate in the Montgomeryshire area and support adult carers. I work from home (just outside Newtown) and we have an office in Llandrindod Wells. As a service we endeavour to support unpaid carers, adults, young adults and children alike.

We try to empower these carers and give them support, information, one to one support, advocacy and a lot more. We do believe it is important that everyone’s voice is heard and “carers” voices should be heard as well. Their views should not be lost because we live in a noisy world.

So why did I chose the title for this blog “We are all in it together”? It sounds a bit like a socialist catch phrase. I have had lots of different jobs including Baptist Minister and Trade Union rep! However the reason for the phrase - “We are all in it together” is because of what I experience day in, day out.

I support people who care for folks who may have poor mental health. I also support carers who have mental health issues themselves and care for someone who is physically ill. I work alongside other professionals who struggle sometimes with their own poor mental health and at stressful times in my life have battled with a few “dark days” myself. (Life can be complicated and not fit neatly into a box!) So whether its physical or mental health issues “We are all into together”.

Poor mental health can knock on anyone’s door and often does. When I visit a carer for the first time, they tell me their “story”. I still find it a privilege to be let into their lives. Some carers I visited told me their experiences - they were a couple whose child had gone to university, had returned home and was seriously ill with depression. As I listened they told me about their hopes, fears and challenges both now and in future.

That’s a story I have listened to on more than one occasion with slightly different twists and turns. Stories differ but we try to be there for carers. Powys Carer Service never closes a case until folks are no longer caring or someone asks us to. We will also continue to support people for a few months after they have stopped being carers.

While I do not have a magic wand, Powys Carers Service does seek to make a difference, whether it’s filling in Personal Independent Payments (PIPs) applications, supporting someone in a medical assessment, assisting you to make a complaint/compliment or “just” listening to your story.

We will visit you in your own home or meet you in a café near your home, the choice is yours. Powys Carers Service also works alongside other organisations and values the services they provide - because “We are all in it together”. Together we can provide a better service to carers. We seek to listen to the goals and needs of carers and support them in any way we can.

In addition, the carers I know give so much back to me - it’s a real privilege to know them.

Powys Carers Service has support workers throughout Powys and office staff who have lots of information. If you are a carer, or just want to know a bit more about the work we do - give us a call on 01597 823800 or check out our website.

Good mental health is important for everyone and like it or not “We are all in it together”. 

Many thanks to Philip for telling us about his role at Powys Carers Service. If you have experience as a carer in relation to mental health which you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us by email - pamhinfo@pavo.org.uk, tel - 01686 628300 or twitter - @PAVOMH.

1992-2012 20 Years of Global Mental Health Advocacy

See below for the article by the World Federation for Mental Health about World Mental Health Day:

The survival of any movement or cause is the power it has behind it.   Advocacy is described as the speaking, writing or acting in support of something.  It is action to create change.  

20 years ago Richard Hunter, Deputy Secretary General of the World Federation for Mental Health, came up with an idea to help bring more attention to the global plight of mental health issues – an official day of recognition – World Mental Health Day.  Since 1992 we have seen a simple idea explode into a yearly, world-wide celebration of grassroots advocacy.  World Mental Health Day started with one person’s dream to make a difference and became the world’s best advocacy for mental health reform. 

Today, on our 20th Anniversary - we want to create an extra special WMHDAY!   We need your help to make this happen!  Join us in creating a wave of activity today.  Lets show the world we are unified and powerful and capable of making a huge splash!

You can show your support by joining in the following.....

Go to our website and download the 2012 material today:  http://www.wfmh.com/00WorldMentalHealthDay.htm

Help support the mission of the WFMH and the future of the WMHDAY project by sending us a donation today: 

PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NQ9LE6RQ7W7X2     OR

NETWORK FOR GOOD:  http://partners.guidestar.org/controller/searchResults.gs?action_donateReport=1&partner=networkforgood&ein=54-1308953 

Visit and "like" us on FACEBOOK today:  https://www.facebook.com/WFMH1

Join us on TWITTER today:  http://twitter.com/#!/WFMHDC

THIS is the time to show your support!   After 20 years of supporting thousands of people by bringing them WMHDAY  -- we need your voice, your support and your dedication to help us bring another 20 years of mental health advocacy to the world!

Thank you and have a great WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY!