We all want to have choice and control over our lives, and to live in a place where we feel we belong and can get involved. However, many Disabled people experience structural barriers that impact our ability to live our lives in ways that we are happy with.
We believe that society disables people with impairments. Therefore, we work within the social model of disability and an independence charter, co-designed with Disabled people. This means that we may support you doing something rather than us doing it for you.
- Difficulties registering with a GP
- Support to speak up at a GP appointment
- Support if you been removed from a GP’s register
- Support to build the confidence to ask for a change in your care or treatment
- Support with options if you have been refused health care
- Isolation and loneliness and support to explore options to improve your wellbeing
- Support to speak up about accessibility issues within health care and services
- Support around the extra cost of disability and its impact on your health and wellbeing
Referrals will only be accepted if there is a particular issue, and we can establish what you would like the outcome of our work together to be. This will be discussed clearly at our first appointment. We do not provide long term and ongoing support.
We currently have an 8 week wait for an appointment.
Speaking Up Workshops
We will also run workshops that aim to increase self-advocacy skills for local Disabled people. Keep an eye on our events calendar.
Other information
- If you would like information and advice on accessing statutory mental health care. In Merton, this is provided by South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust. See https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/our-services/our-key-locations
- We do not provide support with NHS complaints. This service is provided by VoiceAbility. See https://www.voiceability.org/about-advocacy/types-of-advocacy/nhs-complaints-advocacy
- If your health question or concern relates to St Helier Hospital or Epsom Hospital, please contact the relevant Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). See https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/pals
- If your health question or concern relates to South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust, please contact PALS. See https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/patients-carers/feedback/pals-new
- If you are currently detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 or have been discharged subject to a Community Treatment Order, please contact VoiceAbility. See https://www.voiceability.org/about-advocacy/types-of-advocacy/independent-mental-health-advocacy-imha