MSAP Services

Community

MSAP was registered as a charity in 1995 to provide advocacy to members of all communities living in the Medway and Swale local authority areas and who were experiencing mental distress. We understand the barriers preventing users of mental services from having their voices heard, rights secured and obtaining the services they need.

Our advocates support 100s of people each year to exercise their rights and express their views and concerns on a range of issues from welfare benefit entitlement to employment.

Hospital

Since 2009 qualifying patients are entitled to the services of an Independent Mental Health Advocate (“IMHA”). Our IMHAs attend the acute wards of Medway Maritime Hospital every week day; in addition, we provide a service to patients in the community who may be subject to a compulsory treatment order, guardianship or appointeeship. Our advocates work in partnership with patients to enable them to understand the provisions of the Mental Health Act and the rights and safeguards to which they are entitled. Instructing an IMHA does not affect a patient’s right to get advice from a solicitor or entitlement to legal aid.

Prison

Since 2009 we have provided a dedicated advocate surgery at HMP Elmley and HMP Stanford Hill. The scheme is one of only a handful in the country and the take up for the service has been very high. Prison can be a  very distressing and alienating experience and speaking to an advocate can resolve a variety of issues affecting prisoners on a day to day and more enduring basis. More recently, we have been invited into Rochester Young Offenders Institute.

Saathi Forum

MSAP’s Saathi Forum (the “Forum”) was conceived over ten years ago to provide a space in which people using mental health services from black and minority ethnic communities could meet, share experiences and learn about promoting mental well-being. The Forum meets once a month at an accessible location and is attended by thirty members from all communities who have created their own community. The Forum is facilitated by Navjot Rai who has created a space in which members are enabled and empowered. Recent speakers have included a Reiki teacher and GP specialising in mental health. Last year, members also went on a visit to Aylesford Priory which was highly successful and it is hoped to repeat it this year.