INDEPENDENT MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES

As part of its Think Family 2020 Strategy, the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) has set out a clear vision for our families to be safe, well, independent and resilient.

To support the delivery of this vision, and in line with its statutory responsibilities, the Authority intends to commission specialist Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) services to be delivered on an individual basis to service users.

Advocacy is usually defined as a process or intervention that ensures vulnerable people have a voice. Mental illness and lack of mental capacity can mean that individuals can find it difficult to speak up for themselves and be heard. This impact upon decision-making and the opportunities to exercise choice that can result in marginalisation and social exclusion.