The Capacity to Communicate project was a three-year project (2006-2009) funded by the Department of Health and set up in response to the new role of Independent Mental Capacity Advocate created by the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
Sense wanted to ensure advocates had a greater awareness and understanding of dual sensory loss and its impact on communication, so they would be better equipped to support and represent people. The project provided training and information; harnessing best practice around communication and advocacy for people who lack capacity and who have little or no formal communication, particularly deafblind people.
Summary report
Sense has trained 136 advocates during the length of the project and provided information to approximately 60 families through workshops and meetings. As part of the training, advocates were asked to submit written case study assignment. These case studies have given us valuable information about the nature and process of independent mental capacity advocacy.
Advocacy toolkits
As advocates found the training to be of great value, Sense has produced a comprehensive training toolkit aimed at advocates and a shorter information toolkit aimed at families. All of which you can download here:
Further information
Sense has been given a short extension of the project (to December 2009) to adapt and develop the training course for use by Health and Social care staff.
For further information about the project or for the toolkits in different formats email: joff.mcgill@sense.org.uk.
