Welcome to the CAPS Independent Advocacy newsletter!
|
|
|
A ‘poor decision, that is legally questionable.’
|
|
|
This is what people with mental health issues have called proposals to cut CAPS’ Collective Advocacy in an open letter to the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB). As you may already be aware, proposed cuts to Edinburgh’s mental health provision could see the majority of CAPS’ Collective Advocacy service axed. A group of CAPS’ participants, all people with experience of mental health issues, have addressed the open letter to the EIJB who will make a decision on the cuts on the 26th August. A quote from the letter:‘All of CAPS Collective Advocacy projects work with people who have protected characteristics, including us. We believe the impact of the proposed cuts on people with mental health issues would be devastating’ and ‘The impact and importance of the Collective Advocacy work facilitated by CAPS cannot be overstated. Our work challenges power dynamics and changes the narrative for people with lived experience of mental health issues – because it is we who write our own narratives here.’ Read the full letter here.
|
|
|
It's not only CAPS' services that are under threat. If the cuts go ahead it could end many mental health services across the city and leave thousands of people without help. If you haven't already please sign this petition set up to save mental health services in Edinburgh, it only takes a moment.
|
|
|
Open letter from VOX and SIAA - organisations sign up
|
|
|
Voices of Experience (VOX) and Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) have also written an open letter to Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and Scotland’s Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing. They highlight the impact of the proposed cuts to Collective Advocacy against a backdrop of increasing need for mental health services. You can read the full letter and sign up as a signatory on behalf of your organisation here.The deadline for signing up to this letter is 5pm, Thursday 17th July.
|
|
|
Minority Ethnic group survey about people's experiences with their GP
|
|
|
Minority ethnic Collective Advocacy group at CAPS is running a short survey to help shape an upcoming lived experience workshop. The workshop will explore the experiences of people from minority ethnic backgrounds with primary care. GP services are a key way for people from all backgrounds to get treatment and support. The way we experience these services can affect how likely we are to seek help in the future, and the kind of care we receive.We are looking to gather some of the experiences that people from minority ethnic backgrounds have had with their GPs and produce some recommendations for improving these experiences. The survey is completely anonymous and open to anyone from a minority ethnic background aged 18 and over living in Edinburgh. Please fill in this online survey here. Please contact Elil (elil@capsadvocacy.org) or Niamh (niamh@capsadvocacy.org), for any further information.
|
|
|
|
CAPS Independent Advocacy is a partner in Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance. Our role, as an Independent Advocacy provider is to ensure that the voices of as many veterans as possible are heard and amplified in the design and delivery of the work of the Alliance. Our new staff member, Steven, a veteran himself, has been travelling all of Scotland speaking to veterans. This event on Thursday 28th August at the Pearce Institute in Glasgow will be an opportunity for veterans to come and work together and talk about what life is like for them. It will be an afternoon of discussion and design to inform and influence the way veterans services ‘work together’ in the future! See the full details here or get in touch with Steven: steven@capsadvocacy.org or text: 07929751911.
|
|
|
|
CAPS Veterans Collective Advocacy workers, Steven Cockburn and Stephanie Morrison visited Gordon Barracks to attend a special performance by the 6th and 7th Scots Pipe Band. The band delivered an outstanding selection of traditional and military music, showcasing their talent and deep connection to Scottish heritage. This event was organised as part of Armed Forces week and was very well attended, with a diverse group of veterans from various branches and backgrounds coming together to enjoy the day. The highlight of the day came when Steven and Stephanie along with the military band members joined the veterans for a meal and took time to speak with them and share stories, making the event not only a musical celebration but also a meaningful occasion of community and remembrance. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable day!
|
|
|
|
Understanding Oor Mad History
|
|
|
Join our Free Mad Studies course at the University of Edinburgh, for people with experience of mental health issues. By connecting our experiences, sharing knowledge, inviting discussion and building community, we can inspire change and tread new grounds of social justice. Participants will work with unique collections from the Lothian Health Services Archive. The course starts on Thursday 28th August with following sessions on Tuesdays 2nd, 9th and 16th of September. Topics covered include: the History of Confinement and Treatments; Madness, Gender, Sexuality and Intersectionality; and Activism Then and Now. If you'd like to join the course, then please send a message to azra@capsadvocacy.org with a little bit about yourself and why you want to come on the course. Alternatively sign up on Eventbrite and Azra will be in touch.
|
|
|
|
Individual Advocacy helping people to have their voices heard
|
|
|
When you’re in a crisis it can sometimes be difficult to get your voice heard, for example in meetings with professionals dealing with benefits, healthcare or housing. It might feel hard to speak up or explain everything you want to say. But Individual Advocacy can help. CAPS provides Individual Advocacy to people with mental health issues, people who need help to have their voices heard due to drug or alcohol use and people who identify as LGBTQIA+, in various areas in Lothian. In 2024-2025 we supported a total of 542 individuals to have their voices heard on 753 advocacy issues. Here’s a few things that people said about Individual Advocacy at CAPS:
|
|
|
“I’m not good at expressing my feelings and thoughts, but having [my advocacy worker] on my side has really encouraged me to say things and sort things out.” “I’d just like to say for anyone struggling with their mental health or treatment to get in touch with CAPS. They really help you try to find the words and ask the questions you want to ask.” “Having [my advocacy worker] was amazing. It gave me more information and understanding of things especially when I am not well.” “Them being there helps me have a voice. They prompt me about points I want to get across, and sometimes I have forgotten. They’ve really really helped me, even just by being there I’ve been able to speak.”
|
|
|
Please bear in mind that there is a waiting list for some of our projects so please give us as much notice as possible when getting in touch. Current waiting times are around 3 months in East Lothian mental health advocacy, 6 to 8 weeks in Midlothian mental health advocacy and 1 to 2 weeks in drug & alcohol advocacy. Find out more about Individual Advocacy here.
|
|
|
Eating Disorders and personal trainers
|
|
|
The Seen But Not Heard - Experience of Eating Disorders collective advocacy group recently presented a workshop to personal trainers at F45 Stockbridge in Edinburgh. The group has long discussed the importance of eating disorder education for fitness instructors and gyms. Education on eating disorders for fitness professionals is also outlined as an action point in the recent National Specification for Eating Disorders in Scotland.
The workshop raises awareness of different eating disorders, the prevalence of eating disorders in fitness professionals, and how the fitness industry can contribute to eating disorders. The workshop also aims to help fitness professionals reflect on changes they could make to make gyms a safer environment for those with eating disorders. The workshop received very positive feedback with participants saying it “provided insight and education that isn’t typically covered in PT courses” and that it “helped with understanding what language to use in the future, how different marketing can affect people, and how to adjust”. Additionally, gym managers said that they “will review studio processes” to think about how their “fitness challenges and body scans” might impact those with eating disorders. The SBNH group are continuing to look for opportunities to deliver this workshop to other gyms and fitness professionals.
|
|
|
Have your views heard in Midlothian!
|
|
|
The Midlothian lived experience panel is for anyone in Midlothian who has experience of mental health issues or of using mental health services in Midlothian. It’s a space to discuss people’s views and meet with others and with Steven Maxwell, the service development manager for Midlothian. It is an opportunity to work collaboratively with decision makers on local mental health services. You will receive a voucher to participate, and refreshments will be provided. The next meeting is on 22nd July from 2 to 4pm in Dalkeith. Please contact Amy if you’d like to come along and she will give you the details. Amy is on amy@capsadvocacy.org or 07910 983 030.
|
|
|
The East Lothian Collective Advocacy group is for anyone in East Lothian with experience of a mental health issues. You will meet with others to discuss your own experiences and ideas for changes to improve services. The next meeting is 18th August from 10.30am to 12noon in the Star Room of Haddington Library, 5 Lodge St, Haddington EH41 3DX. Drop in welcome. Please contact Amy on amy@capsadvocacy.org or 07910 983 030 with any questions.
|
|
|
|
Lara Wauchope: 'I rejoined CAPS in July 2025 as a Children and Young People’s Individual Advocacy Worker (Maternity Cover), having previously worked in this role for three years before moving abroad for new adventures! My role is to support children and young people who are experiencing the Children’s Hearing System to express their views and have their wishes heard.
My background is in drama teaching, children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health, and working with children and young people with disabilities to access play. Outside of CAPS, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, walking, and cuddling dogs!'
|
|
|
|
Aishu Madduri: 'I started working with CAPS as a Children and Young People’s Individual Advocacy Worker for Lothian and Scottish Borders in June 2025. My role is to support children and young persons who are navigating the Children’s Hearing System express their perspectives, wishes and needs.
My training is in Art Psychotherapy and when I’m not at CAPS, I work as an Art Therapist primarily with young adults. Both my training and work in Art Therapy focused on children, young people and young adults. I am also an active member of my community and local tenants’ union, where you might find me rallying or organising on the streets of Newington/Meadows! These experiences and knowledge help inform and shape my understanding of the role of advocacy work for marginalised members of our society.
When I’m not working, you can find me in the middle of a book (or multiple!), enjoying walks in woodlands or indulging in baked goods!'
|
|
|
Very best wishes from all at CAPS!
|
|
|
CAPS Independent Advocacy is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity number: SC021772
|
|
|
|
|