The CVP sees advocacy as one of its most important functions.

• A consumer contacted the CVP because he was unhappy with ongoing contact with his case manager. He was on a Community Management Order for the first time, and had a number of personal issues which he felt were not being addressed by the service. The consumer asked the community visitor to attend a meeting with his case manager so that he could talk to the case manager about his expectations of case management. He did not believe he could do so without advocacy support. The meeting was arranged, and the consumer and case manager were able to address the consumer’s issues as well as resolve how the case management relationship would operate into the future.
• During a visit to the inpatient facility, a community visitor approached a consumer sitting quietly in the dining area. The consumer had been admitted to the Unit that morning, and was waiting to see her nurse. She said that not eaten for the last 24 hours, and while she had been there for lunch, she did not eat the food that was served (she preferred Asian food). The community visitor spoke to the nurse and arranged for food to be brought to her.
• On another occasion, a consumer approached a community visitor with concerns about her diet. The consumer has diabetes, is on a special diet and was concerned with the fat content of the food being served. The community visitor informed her that she could ask for a salad meal, and asked whether she would like the visitor to speak to staff. The consumer was happy to follow up herself with the community visitor present.
• A consumer admitted involuntarily to the inpatient unit for the first time was frightened by the experience of a brief admission to the secure unit and involuntary administration of medication which he said made him feel sedated and physically unwell. The community visitor informed the consumer of his right to ask for a second opinion. The community visitor also attended a meeting with the consumer and his doctor so that the consumer could ask questions about his admission and treatment.