Midlothian Individual Advocacy (CAPS Independent Advocacy)

Who is this for?

• Adults aged between 18 and 65 years old

Who provides this?

• CAPS Independent Advocacy

Description

CAPS Independent Advocacy provides individual advocacy for people who identify as experiencing a mental health issue or who are affected by drug or alcohol use.

CAPS also provide individual advocacy to children and young people who are experiencing the Children’s Hearings system.

An independent advocacy worker can assist you to have your views and wishes heard and have a stronger voice.

CAPS’ advocacy workers can support you to:

• prepare for and attend meetings
• have your say
• get the information you need to help you make your own choices and understand your options

An advocacy worker can assist you to have your voice heard in all sorts of issues relating to your mental health or drug or alcohol use. Examples of common things people ask CAPS to support them with are:

• Mental Health Tribunals
• social work meetings
• speaking to your doctor
• getting advice when you need it e.g. Citizen’s Advice or solicitor

CAPS can’t give you advice or legal representation on your situation ourselves or act as counsellors or befrienders.

As an independent advocacy provider, CAPS are not part of the council, the NHS or any other service. It doesn’t provide anything else except advocacy and that means we are free just to follow your agenda and no one else’s.

CAPS are there to help you explain your point of view and what you want to happen so it will never tell you what to do or take anyone else’s side except yours.

How do I access this?

• Self-referrals
• Service is appointment only
• Referrals by third parties

Is there a cost?

Free

Is there a waiting list?

No

Location information

• Public parking
• Wheelchair access

Bus routes:

• Lochend Road – 21, 25,
• Easter road – 1, 35,
• Abbeyhill – 26, 44, 5 19, 34

Opening times