Advocacy Service: Michelle’s Story

I contacted Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind following a period of abuse that I had endured at the hands of one of my carers. I have several physical disabilities and rely completely on my carers every day. Following this difficult period, for the first time in my life, my mental health suffered and I reached the point of contemplating suicide. I lived in fear that my care package would be removed if I complained and I didn’t know where to turn.

The help that I have received from Mind has been exceptional. Throughout everything, the advocate has maintained weekly telephone contact with me and it has been reassuring to know that there is someone there for me to contact when I am struggling. The advocate has actively liaised with other services on my behalf, when I have been at such a low point, I have been unable to face, or cope with any interaction with services. The advocate has liaised with my Care and Support Practitioner and my care team when my package of care was sporadic and I lived in fear of being stranded with no care. She has been at meetings where my care plan has been reviewed and she has been the link between services, which has taken a lot of pressure off me.

The advocate has supported me through the stage two complaints process, when I complained about my experience of using the care services.

She attended meetings with me and the Independent Investigating Officer, which was invaluable because I felt that I was reliving the experience all over again.

It was difficult for me having to work through the final report for the stage 2 complaint, I found it reassuring that there was someone there that I could talk to when I was struggling. More recently, the advocate has supported me to prepare a file to escalate the complaint to the Ombudsman for Wales. Having never experienced anything like this before, I would not have had a clue of where to begin.

The advocate has liaised with mental health services on my behalf when there were issues with my prescription. I have found these things to be overwhelming and I am so grateful for the support that I have received from the advocate.

During this difficult time, there were issues of anti-social behaviour in my local area. There were issues of young boys throwing stones at my windows and I was being threatened by one of my neighbours. I found that I was living in fear in my own home and this had a further negative impact on my mental health, I was living in a state of constant panic.

My advocate was able to liaise with my housing provider, the local Anti-Social Behaviour Officer and the local Police, to ensure they were well informed and updated to what was going on and how these incidents were affecting me. The advocate was also able to support me at meetings, which I found really helpful.

The advocate made me feel that I was in a safe place and I felt that I could trust her. I felt that she really listened to me and never judged me, she made me feel that I mattered and that means so much. The advocate has been with me every step of the way at a very difficult time in my life. I am very grateful for the support that I have received. I don’t think I would have coped without the support that I have received from Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind.

“The advocate made me feel that I was in a safe place and I felt that I could trust her. I felt that she really listened to me and never judged me, she made me feel that I mattered and that means so much.”