Advocacy
WISH currently provides Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) services within several hospitals in the UK. An IMHA provides support to people held under the Mental Health Act (1983), including emotional support and advice on dealing with the diagnosis. An IMHA is independent of the NHS and social services.
Gender-specific advocacy is a model WISH pioneered, understanding that Gender can be fluid and non-conformist. Rather than offering an issue-based model of advocacy, where Advocacy Service Users are only supported through certain events, we offer something more proactive.
Trauma-informed
Our Trauma-Informed service is specifically designed to work with those who do not feel they have a voice and are finding it difficult to assert their needs and views. We slowly build trust and security, putting choice, safety, and empowerment at the center of everything we do. We explain rights and treatment plans in understandable language, working on behalf of our Service Users and alongside the Hospitals mental health professionals and other external support services, we aim to equip our Service Users with the power to advocate for themselves and move forward positively.
Our aim is to empower women, girls, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and trans-patients through their mental health journey.
Get in touch
If your hospital is interested in commissioning gender-specific advocacy, please get in touch using the form below.