An advocate can help you either by supporting you when wish to voice your concerns or by representing your concerns if you feel unable to do so. The Advocacy Service operates independently of the mental health service. You will be listened to and treated with respect. It offers you the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence about issues relating to your treatment.

How does it work?

Advocates work as instructed by the client. We therefore work differently according to the needs and wishes of individual clients. Some common examples of advocacy work include:

• Listening to you and helping you decide what your own objectives are
• Helping you have your voice heard.
• Supporting you, at ward rounds and Care Programme Approach meetings.
• Supporting you when discussing your treatment plan with your doctors and nurses or social workers.
• Providing clear information about rights, medication and any aspect of treatment while in hospital.
• Supporting you in gaining legal advice and representation if necessary.

Mind in Croydon are available both to hospital inpatients and to people living in the community who may be suffering from mental health problems.

Contact:
Mind Advocacy
26 Pampisford Road
Purley
CR8 2NE

Tel: 020 8673 6730
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm
Email: advocacy@mindincroydon.org.uk
Web: www.mindincroydon.org.uk

Clients can self refer by ringing 020 8763 2064 and giving their name and address. An information pack will then be sent detailing how the service works and what to expect from it. If, after reading the information, you decide you would like to proceed, a short questionnaire will be sent to you for completion. The questionnaire aids the counsellor in making a decision about the best way forward for you.

All clients have an initial assessment where a decision is made on what the most appropriate treatment is for them. You will be given an opportunity to talk about your difficulties, and you will also find out more about the service. Mind is assisted in these assessments by a member of staff from the South London and Maudsley Trust.

If you would benefit from further counselling, we will arrange for you to see a counsellor on a regular basis. There is normally a waiting list. How long you have to wait will depend on your needs and availability.

Mind in Croydon can help you deal with any problems that are causing emotional distress. Many counsellors have specialist skills in areas including:

• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Family issues
• Group Therapy
• Relationships
• Sexual abuse

Mind in Croydon will make every effort to place you with a counsellor who is best equipped to deal with your problem.

The cost

Many people are concerned about the cost involved in counselling, but you will only be asked to make a contribution towards administration costs. You should contribute what you can afford, and our current minimum contribution if you are waged is £10, and unwaged is £3.

Contact:
Mind Counselling
26 Pampisford Road
Purley
CR8 2NE

Tel: 020 8673 2064
Email: counselling@mindincroydon.org.uk
Web: www.mindincroydon.org.uk

Members have the opportunity to get a taste of working life whilst learning new skills through a supported work environment. Skills include, on-site computer training, painting & decorating, catering, gardening, admin & clerical skills, as well as taking part in our furniture service, and gaining retail experience in our fund-raising shop, to name but a few. We also have links with employment establishments and educational training centres.

Contact: Mind Enterprise House
18 Westow Street
Upper Norwood
London
SE19 3AH

Tel: 020 8771 5950
Email: enterprise@mindincroydon.org.uk
Web: www.mindincroydon.org.uk

Do you have a Mental Health condition and reside in the Croydon area?

Are you looking to learn or improve your sewing /craft work skills?

We are offering a great way to learn a new skill and build your self confidence in an informal yet supportive environment. Any level of experience welcome as lessons will be tailored to your individual ability.

Sessions are flexible as they can last for one hour a day per week or more according to your personally tailored plan.

Lessons will be one-to-one or in small groups depending on demand.

As you become more advanced we can offer the opportunity to learn further soft furnishing applications such as curtain making.

People within the Croydon area with a mental health diagnosis will be able to attend free of charge.

For further information please contact Pam Dickens directly on 020-8253-8201 or contact your healthcare professional e.g. Social Worker, who can get in touch if you prefer.

Mind soft furnishings run short workshops for both service-users and the general public. Please visit the events page for details of forthcoming events.