The report examines the need for independent, one-to-one advocacy supports for people who use mental health services and who need help to make decisions or access their rights and entitlements. The study surveyed 76 people who use mental health services in a major urban area.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Shari McDaid, Director of Mental Health Reform and Principal Investigator in the study, said, “We hear too often that people do not have a voice in decisions about their own mental health treatment. This report shows that some people with mental health difficulties lack the confidence to raise concerns about public services that they receive, including mental health services. When these situations arise, people should have access to an independent, one-to-one advocate, so that they can have their views heard in decisions about their treatment and have their rights and entitlements fully respected.”