South London and Maudsley advocacy service
Monks Orchard RoadBeckenham BR3 3BX View on map
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pmSat and Sun: Closed
The Rethink Mental Illness South London and Maudsley advocacy service supports people detained under the Mental Health Act across The Royal Bethlem Hospital site.
In what can be a distressing time for some, our compassionate team help people understand the rights they have during their stay and allow them the opportunity to have their voice heard during decision made about their care.
We are available to support people during ward rounds, managers meetings, care planning for when they are discharged, and much more.
Our service is available for people detained regardless of their original place of residence, and we accept self-referrals as well as from family, friends, and professionals for people who may not be able to ask for support themselves. family, friends, and professionals for people who may not be able to ask for support themselves.
What advocates can and can't do
An advocate can stand by you, and stand up for you, when important decisions are being made about your care, treatment and the way you live your life. They can help you understand your rights and options, and then support you in expressing your views and wishes to the relevant services. They can also speak up on your behalf if that’s what you want. People often work with an advocate when they’re going through some kind of assessment or review of their care or treatment.
What an advocate can help with
Get information and understand what it means
Explore your options and decide what you want
Contacting people, or contacting them for you
Express your feelings to others, or do this for you
Prepare for meetings, and support you at them
Stand up for your rights to get the services you need.
What an advocate can't do
Provide advice or emotional support
Make decisions for you without your input
Solve someone’s problems for them
Mediation
Provide care or home support
Agree with everything a person says.
Read more about our work
