- Independent community mental health advocacy
Independent Mental Health Advocacy
We stand alongside people facing mental health challenges across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, helping them be listened to, understood and empowered.
Who we are…
Lamp is an independent community mental health advocacy charity serving the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Established in 1989, we exist to ensure that people experiencing mental health challenges are listened to, understood and empowered. We believe that everyone has the right to be heard and to play an active role in decisions that affect their health, wellbeing and future.
We stand alongside individuals at moments when systems feel complex, overwhelming or inaccessible. Our independence allows us to focus solely on the person in front of us, not the institution.
Our experienced advocates understand the realities of both mental and physical health systems. We work to ensure that people’s views and wishes are clearly represented, particularly at critical points such as GP appointments, mental health reviews or physical health consultations.
Alongside advocacy, our Information and Advice team provides guidance and signposting, helping individuals navigate services and identify the right support for their circumstances.
At our core, we are about dignity, voice and empowerment. We do not speak over people. We stand beside them. We aim to build confidence, strengthen understanding and ensure that no one feels alone when facing difficult systems.
For more than three decades, Lamp has been rooted in the local community. We remain committed to strengthening our presence, deepening partnerships and ensuring that advocacy remains accessible to those who need it most.
How we help…
Our dedicated team of advocacy specialists provide free independent advocacy to support people who:
- Would like to explore options available to them, in regards to mental health or physical health.
- Are unsure of what medical terminology means, or unsure about what their treatment plan means, and need help to understand it.
- Would like help understanding their rights regarding their mental health or physical health care.
- Wish to question a decision about their care and support, or challenge a professional about a poor outcome.
- Feel that professionals aren’t taking their health issue seriously, and would like support to get their voice heard at appointments.
- Would like someone to help communicate their needs and wants to health teams and specialists.
- Care for someone with mental health issues, and need support to have their own health needs met as a carer
- Have a mental health or physical health need (or are concerned about a family member, colleague or friend), and are unsure of what services are available to them in the community.
What does an advocate do?
Our core service is free, independent, one-to-one mental health advocacy for adults.
An advocate can help you to:
Understand your rights and options
Prepare for meetings with professionals
Communicate your views clearly and confidently
Challenge decisions where appropriate
Navigate health, housing, benefits and social care systems
Work toward practical solutions that improve your wellbeing
We do not replace other services. We work with you so that you can engage with them more effectively.
Advocacy is about building confidence, clarity and control.
The difference we make
From the moment Lamp got involved, it strengthened my resolve to carry on. The charity provides a vital service, not only for the people suffering with mental health, but to the families supporting them
The best project you will ever work on is yourself
Let’s talk
about…Self Advocacy
Please click on the links below to download a range of self-help documents that will provide you with information on a range of related issues.
Thank you to the organisations supporting Mental Health in Leicester, Leicestershire and the Midlands
Postcode Places Trust is a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our organisation received £25,000 from the Trust to sustain our much-needed advocacy services.
