Susan Clarke

Hosting beginner sessions in a ceramics studio, to clients on the pottery wheel.

Hosting workshops, Introducing clients to pottery techniques, such as wedging, throwing, modelling, coiling, slab building, sgraffito, the use of glazes and other decorative techniques.

Helping clients use this practice as a mindfulness session, helping to relax and de-stress from every day life.

Providing an Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) service to Welsh Qualifying Patients in hospitals and registered settings, as required by the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 amendment) and the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010.

Using strong, clear and effective communication, listening and being open to all needs of a client, providing specialist aids, such as 'talking mats', where necessary.

Providing support to people in relation to their medication, treatment and care, ensuring that they understand and can access their rights, within the context of Independent Advocacy as set out in the Advocacy Charter and Code of Practice.

Placing clients at the centre of all actions and decision making and displaying the necessary competencies, skills and attitudes .

including being non-judgemental, promoting anti-discriminatory practice, maintaining confidentiality, promoting empowerment and self-determination, promoting equal opportunities, equality and diversity, ensuring that clients are treated with dignity and respect as part of ethical practice, Detailed knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010, Mental Capacity Act, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (and other relevant legislation) in order that clients can be advised of their legal rights. In the case of clients who lack capacity the IMHA must be able to use this legislation to safeguard these clients’ rights.

Providing clients with the information they need in order to be involved in, express their views of, or complain about their treatment and care.

Enabling clients, both as individuals and as groups, to identify and articulate their needs in relation to services, facilitating self-advocacy and advocating for clients as necessary.

liaising, communicating and negotiating effectively with a range of health and social care personnel and managers to promote multi-disciplinary working, an awareness of the role of the IMHA and the rights of patients.

Signposting and referring people for issues that fall outside the scope of the IMHA role.

Working within the Advocacy Code of Practice, the Mental Health Act Code of Practice for Wales and the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice.

Promoting the role of advocacy within a variety of settings.

Liaising with other agencies, to identify and implement ways of enabling closer communication between clients, carers, professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies.

Actively and positively promoting mental health issues.

Regularly attending hospitals, supporting clients in ward rounds, best interest meetings, professionals meetings and undertaking work to aid clients in making complaints and requesting changes to their care and treatment options.

Keeping up to date, concise and clear case notes.

Providing case studies and quarterly reports to help inform commissioning bodies.

Attending regular, role related training.

Providing advocacy support to older people both in hospital and care settings.

Supporting clients to take part as fully as possible, with their care and treatment management. Representing them when they are unable to attend, when requested to do so.

Maintained strict confidentiality at all times, adhering to relevant company policy. Including up to date and clear casenotes.

Developed warm and positive relationships with users, resulting in excellent satisfaction scores.

Optimised outcomes by providing person-centred care tailored to user needs and lifestyle.