"My advocate was always the one I trusted"

When I got admitted to Whitchurch Hospital, I felt very alone and that nobody took me seriously. My advocate introduced herself, and explained to me what her role was. From that day, whenever I had to see my psychiatrist or social worker, I asked my advocate to be there with me. She was always on my side and would speak up for me. This was very helpful because I don't like sitting in meetings and talking as I get really confused and flustered. I don't like it when people keep asking me things. My advocate would come and see me before any meetings and we'd chat about the meeting and make a bit of a plan for things I wanted to say. She was the only one who took the time to explain things to me.

When I was told I couldn't return home to my own house and I had to go live in a care home I was very upset and felt my social worker didn't understand my view. My advocate came to all the meetings and would explain how I felt, and ask him questions which I was too nervous to ask. I know I won't return home and I did feel very sad about this, but I know that when I had my advocate she was always the one I trusted as she was speaking on my behalf. She listened to me. I am really grateful to her. My name is Shiney and my advocate was Nicola.