Health Advocacy

Through our Health Advocacy Programme, we support individuals to access services within the NHS, addressing barriers such as language, disability, and mental health challenges. Our main clients who use our services are men and women with mental health challenges, women with language barriers, and patients who have been misdiagnosed or not given alternative medication that is suitable to the individual’s needs. We help 60 people on a 1-to-1 basis in a year.

Participants shared that our support has helped them to:

Feel relieved as their concerns are addressed and problems are resolved.
Build confidence in accessing and using health and support services.
Increase their awareness and understanding of available health services.
Find it easier to navigate and access the support they need.
Develop new friendships and maintain regular social connections.
Feel happier, more supported, and less isolated.

Case studies

Supporting Mr X to Improve Health and Well-being

Mr X is a 42-year-old single man living in temporary accommodation in North Kensington with complex health, housing, financial, and social needs. He lives with a mental health condition requiring regular medication, glaucoma requiring ongoing treatment, financial difficulties, housing issues, and significant social isolation.

Through our Health Advocacy Programme, we supported Mr X to access the services he needed. We accompanied him to a hospital appointment, where he was able to better understand his diagnosis and the importance of continuing his medication. We also supported him with managing his glaucoma treatment, resolving housing issues by reporting and securing repairs to restore his heating, and addressing high electricity bills caused by inaccurate estimated readings.

We worked with his GP to request further support through social prescribing services, as he had no existing professional support network.

Impact:

Mr X gained a better understanding of his health condition and treatment.
His confidence in managing his health and accessing services improved.
His heating was restored, improving his living conditions and well-being.
His electricity account was reviewed, reducing financial stress and securing reimbursement for overcharges.
He is now connected to further support pathways to reduce isolation.
Mr X reported feeling more supported, confident, and happier because of the ongoing advocacy and practical support.