An independent advocacy service that helps some of Jersey’s most vulnerable Islanders understand and exercise their rights is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
Founded in 2006 as the Island’s statutory independent mental-health advocacy service, MyVoice works with people detained under mental health legislation – helping them understand their rights and ensuring they can participate in decisions about their care.
Since then, the charity’s work has broadened to support people who lack capacity as a result of conditions including advanced dementia, acquired brain injury and learning disabilities.
Around 450 Islanders aged between 12 and 108 now use the service each year. Support is provided free of charge by a team of four full-time advocates and a part-time office manager.
While much of its work takes place behind the scenes, MyVoice has also contributed to changes in Jersey’s legal framework.
The charity campaigned for reform and was involved in the development of the Mental Health Law and the Capacity and Self-Determination Law, introduced in 2016, which strengthened legal safeguards for people receiving mental health care or living with impaired decision-making capacity.
MyVoice chief executive Patricia Winchester said: “For 20 years, our advocates have stood alongside people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“Our role is simple but vital: to ensure that every person is heard, their rights are upheld and their wishes are respected, regardless of their circumstances.
“We are proud of the trust that patients and professionals place in us. While much of our work happens quietly behind the scenes, its impact can be life-changing.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead to continuing to champion the rights, dignity and autonomy of Jersey’s most vulnerable Islanders.”
