Introduction

INVICTA ADVOCACY NETWORK
First Floor, 7/9 Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1BE
Tel: 01322 285234
Fax: 01322 285228
email: info @ invicta-advocacy-network.org.uk

Invicta Advocacy Network was originally the advocacy project of Dartford & Gravesham Mind. It became a Registered Charity in April 1996 and originally known as Dartford & Gravesham Advocacy Network until the name was changed in 2006 to Invicta Advocacy Network as the area of benefit widened.

People with mental health problems can be isolated and feel that their views don't count. They may sometimes be unable to communicate their views because of their mental health problem. People in authority can disregard them because of their illness and other members of the public, including sometimes family and friends may discriminate against them because of the stigma attached to mental illness. Because of this, sometimes they are unable to claim the rights and entitlements available to the rest of society.

Similarly, people with dementia can feel isolated. They may be unable to communicate their views easily because of the nature of their condition. Their views, wishes and feelings can be disregarded by others because they are not able to speak up for themselves, and even if they are able to communicate, others may not be ‘listening’. In other words, they are not always central to every decision made for or about them. Independent advocacy can be two sides of the same coin - Empowering and Safeguarding.

People who are detained under the Mental Health Act, including those with learning disabilities and dementia, and/or meet the criteria for detention, from April 2009 have a legal right to an IMHA (Independent Mental Health Advocate). As the majority of those people are unable to leave the hospital or unit in which they are detained, they often need an advocate to speak up and ensure their views are heard.

Invicta Advocacy Network, as an independent voice, therefore aims to

Represent, speak up and promote the voice and concerns of people with mental health problems living in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley and surrounding rural areas. Any person aged 16 or over who is suffering from mental health problems and living in the area can ask for support from the Network. This includes in the community and in the Little Brook Hospital, Dartford.

Represent, speak up and promote the voice and concerns of people over the age of 18 who are detained under the Mental Health Act, in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.

Represent, speak up and promote the voice and concerns of adults over the age of 18 who are detained under the Mental Health Act in Secure Settings, funded by Kent & Medway NHS, including those out of area up to 150 miles away.

Represent, speak up and promote the voice and concerns of people with Dementia living across West Kent whether dementia has been diagnosed or is suspected.

The Network has always welcomed service users and ex-service users to be involved, including on its Management Committee. The experience of service users enables the Network to be empathic and responsive to the needs of people currently using mental health and dementia services.

The Network has both paid Advocates and Volunteer Advocates.

Access to free legal advice is provided through local solicitors who give up their time free on a rota basis.

Forums are groups of mental health service users who meet regularly to discuss issues of common concern.

The Network supports representatives of mental health service users who are members of groups which plans developments in local services.

The Network has a Patients Council project which analyses and reports on the views of patients in the local psychiatric unit, on every aspect of their stay.

Invicta Advocacy is a Mindful Employer

This page last updated Sun, 28 August 2011