Our client needed treatment for an acute episode of mental illness and agreed to an informal admission to a mental health ward. As his admission was voluntary, he thought he could behave however he wished. However all patients are expected to collaborate in their care. He felt he was misled and became distressed, so he wanted to leave the ward. He was then detained against his wishes, causing him to become hostile towards the ward staff. We offered our client a space to talk away from the ward, which allowed him to calm down, change his communication style and have a meaningful conversation with staff. After talking through his concerns, helping him to prepare for the meeting with clinicians, and plan what he will say to doctors when he is assessed, he remained calm and articulated his wishes clearly. A treatment plan was agreed which respected our client’s wishes and ensured he received the required level of support. Instead of being detained in hospital, our client was allowed to recover at home. After feeling heard and respected, he began to repair his trust with mental health services and was open to reaching out for support in the future.

My Voice received a safeguarding concern about a vulnerable adult with learning difficulties who was living independently with a 24/7 care package. The leader of her care team was accused of emotional and physical abuse towards our client in her home. We took the time to build trust with our client and ensured that she knew that her team leader had been removed from involvement in her care. We supported her through every step of the safeguarding process and worked closely with her psychologist and the police. We used Easy Read materials to help her understand about safeguarding and gave her all the appropriate information she needed to decide if she wanted to give formal evidence to the police. She decided that she didn’t want to give evidence and was reassured when we explained the police believed that there was enough evidence without her having to testify. Following the case, our client was in a good place and felt happy and comfortable with her new team of carers. She felt empowered that she had independently made the decision not to be interviewed formally by the police. She told us: “I’m really pleased I could decide myself; it makes me feel good”.

Our client was a care home resident with limited mental capacity. His parents had always been heavily involved in their son’s life and provided care three days per week. However, during Covid 19, they were denied access to their son as the care home shut its doors to visitors. This had an incredibly detrimental effect on his wellbeing. When other care homes lifted restrictions, this residence continued to prevent our client visiting his parents, which they all found very distressing. Whilst we were originally met with hostility, we sought to promote cooperation and, most importantly, advocate for our client. We asked about his wishes and how the restrictions were impacting him, listened to his parents’ concerns and held discussions with the care home about their policies. In the meetings which then took place we ensured throughout that our client was at the centre of the decision-making process, that his views and wishes were heard, and we challenged the policy. As a result, his Social worker negotiated a more flexible approach and the care home reconsidered its policies. This meant that our client could immediately re-establish contact with his parents, which drastically reduced his stress levels and allowed him to enjoy family life again.