Business Details
Your Voice, Your Rights: Mental Health Advocacy in West Lothian
The Mental Health Advocacy Project has been operating for over 30 years, providing independent advocacy services for individuals with mental health and addiction challenges in West Lothian. Our service user-led approach empowers individuals to take control of their care, exercise choice, and ensure their voices are heard. We offer both individual and collective advocacy, supporting people in navigating healthcare, legal, and social systems. Our team works one-to-one with clients to protect their rights and provide informed guidance. We maintain strict confidentiality and operate free from conflicts of interest, ensuring impartial support.Our collective advocacy initiatives, including the West Lothian Service Users' Forum, enable groups to influence policy and service improvements. As a member of the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, we adhere to the highest standards of practice. Funded by West Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, our services remain accessible and free to all eligible individuals. We specialise in mental health legislation, housing, benefits, and criminal justice issues, offering tailored support to meet diverse needs. Our volunteers and management committee, predominantly service users, ensure our services remain rooted in lived experience.
Services
Individual Advocacy
Collective Advocacy
Mental Health Advocacy
Addiction Advocacy
Service Users' Forum
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in mental health advocacy.
- Our service user-led approach ensures lived experience guides our work.
- We operate independently from funding bodies and healthcare providers.
- Our advocacy services are completely confidential and free of charge.
- We specialise in complex mental health legislation and rights protection.
Associations and certifications
- Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance
Services
Individual Advocacy
Personalised advocacy for mental health and addiction challenges, helping clients navigate healthcare, legal, and social systems. We empower individuals to protect their rights and make informed decisions. Our advocates work confidentially and independently to ensure client voices are heard.
Collective Advocacy
Facilitating group advocacy through the West Lothian Service Users' Forum. We amplify collective voices to influence policy changes and improve mental health services. This approach addresses systemic issues and challenges stigma through shared experiences and collaborative action.
Mental Health Advocacy
Specialised support for mental health legislation compliance, including the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. We assist with Advance Statements, Named Person appointments, and care planning to safeguard client autonomy and legal rights.
Addiction Advocacy
Tailored advocacy for individuals facing addiction-related challenges. We address treatment access, housing, and legal issues while promoting client choice in recovery pathways. Our approach integrates harm reduction principles and holistic care coordination.
Service Users' Forum
Monthly forum for service users to discuss mental health service improvements. We coordinate responses to policy consultations and facilitate dialogue between users and providers. This platform empowers participants to shape local mental health strategy and resource allocation.
Questions
What is mental health advocacy?
Mental health advocacy supports individuals to express their needs, understand rights, and influence care decisions. We help navigate systems while maintaining client autonomy and confidentiality.
How can I access MHAP services?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your needs. Our services are free and available to anyone with mental health or addiction challenges living in or receiving treatment in West Lothian.
Is advocacy confidential?
Yes, we maintain strict confidentiality except in cases where serious harm risk exists. Your advocate will only act with your explicit permission and instructions.
What areas do you cover?
We serve all West Lothian residents and individuals receiving treatment in the area, including HMP Addiewell. Our advocacy extends to hospital, community, and legal settings.
Can advocacy help with legal matters?
We provide support understanding legal rights under mental health legislation and can accompany clients to legal appointments, though we don't offer legal advice or representation.
How is MHAP funded?
We receive funding from West Lothian Council and NHS Lothian. As an independent charity, we maintain operational autonomy from funding bodies to ensure unbiased advocacy.
