AdvoCard is a service user-led, independent advocacy organisation. Our services are primarily for people with experience of mental ill-health or problematic substance use in Edinburgh. We aim to provide opportunities for people to participate more effectively in decisions that affect all aspects of their lives. AdvoCard has three services: * Volunteer delivered advocacy service – which focuses on advocating for individuals living in the community in Edinburgh around a wide range of issues that effect their lives. * Mental Health Act advocacy service – an advocacy service which focuses on advocating for people living in ther community in Edinburgh, who either face compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act 2003 and/or want to use the safeguards (advance statements, named persons etc) within the Act. This service is delivered through employed advocacy workers. * Hospital advocacy service – which focuses on providing individual advocacy to anyone using the following services at the Royal Edinburgh hospital: acute admission wards (including Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit), rehabilitation services, forensic services, older people’s services and Young People’s services and associated services. Prison based Advocacy - AdvoCard provides individual advocacy for people resident in HMP Edinburgh. Problematic Substance use - AdvoCard provides individual and collective advocacy services to people in Edinburgh who have or have had problems with substance use. We work with people who identify as in recovery, accessing services, and those that are not in recovery. We support people who are actively using alcohol and drugs. Benefits and Welfare Reform - AdvoCard provides independent advocacy support for help with accessing Scottish Social Security entitlements and DWP benefits. The service is available to all who identify as having a mental health condition or problematic substance use. We know that it can be difficult to engage with benefit agencies
