Advocacy: Time to communicate

Abstract

This article offers an introduction to advocacy on behalf of people with mental disorders and/or intellectual disabilities. It concentrates mainly on the issues related to independent specialist advocacy, but refers to other forms also. The term is itself contentious, having different meanings in different contexts. Some of these controversies are outlined here. Inevitably, diverse interpretations imply varying practices, and these too are illustrated briefly. Legislation and concordance of expectations are both contributing to a set of standards to which most advocates in the UK and Ireland will adhere. The requirements that such legislation makes of mental healthcare staff working with independent specialist advocates are outlined, and the ethical dimension of mental health advocacy is noted.