Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy service (IMCA)

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is a specialist advocacy provider currently delivering independent advocacy services in parts of South Wales. We believe independent advocacy is important because it seeks to give a voice to people who can't make themselves heard. Advocacy helps to ensure that people are as involved as they can be in the things that affect them, and are able to communicate their needs and wishes to others who may have influence or power over their lives.

In Wales, certain vulnerable individuals are eligible for the support of an IMCA, a role defined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The IMCA provides independent safeguards for people who lack capacity to make certain important decisions. If, at the time such decisions need to be made in a person's best interests, they have no-one (other than paid staff) to support, represent them or be consulted, the IMCA will take on this role.