MindOut, the LGBTQ+ mental health charity, has been awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), a not-for-profit social change organisation promoting inclusion and equality for people who risk exclusion and need support to lead a full life.
The QPM is the UK’s only independent quality performance mark for organisations offering independent advocacy; an essential service for people who need support to express their needs and have increased choice and control in their lives.
To gain the QPM, independent advocacy providers have to undergo a rigorous self-assessment process and policy review. This is followed by a structured site visit for NDTi assessors to meet advocates and the people they support. As well it being good practice for Local Authorities to provide advocacy to people at risk of exclusion, commissioners are required to provide statutory independent advocacy under the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, and more recently the Care Act. The Advocacy QPM provides them with a robust benchmark to measure independent advocacy services, ensuring they select the very best providers.
Mandy Bigden-Slack, Advocacy Manager from MindOut, said: “We are delighted that once again, we have successfully gained our Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) for providing independent, professional LGBTQ mental health advocacy services; including community, trans, urgent need, housing and 50+ advocacy. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in making this possible.”
Gail Petty, QPM Manager and Lead for Advocacy and Rights at NDTi, said: “The Advocacy Quality Performance Mark is only awarded to advocacy organisations who can demonstrate that they are providing excellent services to people often experiencing challenging situations in their lives. It indicates that they have the training and policies in place to ensure people’s rights are upheld and their preferences are heard and responded to.”
For more info on MindOut, CLICK HERE.
You must be logged in to post a comment.