Organised by the Art Relay Team at CAPS Independent Advocacy.

Where: Tuesday 21 May, 1-3.30pm (drop-in)

When: At the Wee Hub, 1^st Floor, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh

How: Just come along, or contribute by email/phone

Do you have experience of mental health issues? We are making an artwork that will amplify your voice. What would you like to say? The Art Relay Team are creating an artwork which will be filled with what people with mental health issues have to say (or shout, whisper, imagine, sing, dance, scribble, draw). The artwork will be passed to another group as part of an art relay, and finally shown at an exhibition in August.

Come along, or get in touch to find out more, or to contribute by email/phone: Pam, Art as Advocacy Manager, CAPS Independent Advocacy, E-mail: pam@capsadvocacy.org Mobile: 07989402634.

CAPS Independent Advocacy are providing a space where people who receive care and support because of mental health issues, can meet directly with representatives from Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership. You may have had a recent review or be uncertain about receiving one and not sure what to expect. People will be able to ask questions and CAPS will ensure people's views and experiences are heard. This meeting is for people with lived experience of mental health issues and about care and support reviews. We kindly ask that you only attend if this is applicable to you. Please feel free to contact us with questions about this. The date and venue of this event is to be confirmed.

Please contact Irene or Angharad if you would like to register to attend or if you have any questions. There will be online access possible also. Contact: irene@capsadvocacy.org or 07881377635 angharad@capsadvocacy.org or 07989 402 612.

Steven Maxwell (NHS Midlothian Mental Health Service Development Manager) would like to meet with people from Midlothian who have lived experience of mental health issues. These meetings will give you a chance to have your say and influence mental health services and future planning in Midlothian. The next meeting is on 23 July from 2pm to 4pm in Dalkeith. Refreshments will be provided, and travel costs can be reimbursed.

CAPS Independent Advocacy will organise these meetings. You can tell us you’d like to come along or hear more, by contacting amy@capsadvocacy.org or calling Amy on: 07910 983 030.

At a meeting with Scotland’s housing minister, Paul McLennan, on 22nd May, Lothian Voices Collective Advocacy group members will ask how the Scottish Government plan to provide extra support concerning housing for people struggling with their mental health. People at a Lothian Voices conference felt that people with mental health issues are disproportionately negatively affected by housing struggles, be that finding affordable housing, getting repairs completed or contacting their housing officer. This is just one question; they have plenty more about how the Scottish Government is responding to the housing crisis. Look out for more coming soon.