Strategies to facilitate advocacy for the human rights of mental health care users by psychiatric nurses in the Sedibeng District of Gauteng Province

Abstract: Advocating for human rights in mental health is an intervention process that is used by mental health providers to promote and protect the human rights of mental health care users (MHCUs). Advocacy enhances the quality of life of MHCUs as they are thereby treated like other patients with physical conditions and are afforded the health care that they need. Advocating for the human rights of MHCUs is one of the functions of psychiatric nurses. It is a means of raising awareness on mental healthcare issues in the community, where MHCUs live. A community that has knowledge and insight on mental health issues respect people living with mental illness and does not stigmatise or discriminate against them.D.Cur. (Nursing Science