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 is the new name for Dartford & Gravesham Advocacy Network. D & G Advocacy Network was set up to provide services in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley only. Due to changing times, it was felt that the Network should have the ability to provide services across the whole of the Historic County of Kent, which includes Medway and some London Boroughs. In those circumstances, it was not appropriate to retain the name of Dartford & Gravesham only. On 23rd November 2006 therefore the name and area of benefit were both formally changed and have been registered by the Charity Commission. Despite the above, Invicta Advocacy Network (Invicta is the motto for Kent) will not cease to provide services for people in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.
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, people with mental health problems are often unable to claim the rights and benefits available to the rest of society.
Similarly, people with dementia can feel disregarded and that their views don't count. They may sometimes be unable to communicate their views easily because of the nature of their condition. They may be discriminated against because they are not able to speak up for themselves and be heard, and others may not be listening to their needs, wishes and feelings, past and present.
Advocacy can enable a person's voice to be heard and ensure their rights are safeguarded.
Invicta Advocacy Network therefore aims to represent and promote the voices and concerns of people with mental health problems living in Dartford, Gravesham, 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.
Invicta Advocacy Network also aims to represent and promote the voices and concerns of people with Dementia living in West Kent. Any adult or older person who has Dementia and living in the area can receive support from the Network.
The Network was originally a project of the then Dartford & Gravesham Mind but has been an independent registered charity since April 1996. It has always welcomed service users and ex-service users to be involved, particularly 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 services.
Mental Health Advocates represent and support people to speak up on any issue of concern. They deal with short term issues for service users.
Specialist Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA) who's support is a statutory right to people detained under the Mental Health Act.
As well as providing the IMHA service to people in the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley areas, Invicta Advocacy Network also provides a separate IMHA service to people detained in Secure Settings across Kent and Medway.
Dementia Advocates support people with Dementia in West Kent. They will help them to speak up with any short terms issues of concern and will be an additional safeguard for that person.
Volunteer Advocates provide advocacy support to people with mental health problems in the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley areas, sometimes alongside a paid staff Mental Health Advocate and sometimes on their own.
Access to free legal advice is provided through volunteer solicitors.
Forums are groups of mental health service users who meet regularly to discuss issues of common concern.
The Network also supports representatives of mental health service users who are members of groups which plans developments in local services.
The Network also 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.
This page last updated Sun, 2 May 2010 23:10:07 GMT
