Sweden faces rising demand and wait times for personal advocates

A recent report from the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) reveals that wait times for personal advocates are increasing for individuals with mental health issues in Sweden. In some municipalities, waiting periods can reach up to one year.

According to the report, the number of applicants with complex needs and economic vulnerability is rising. While some municipalities have launched new services, others in Stockholm, Västra Götaland, and Västernorrland have discontinued them. Currently, 38 Swedish municipalities lack personal advocate services entirely.

The National Collaboration for Mental Health (NSPH) is calling for these services to be established in every municipality, noting that advocates are crucial for helping individuals navigate authority contacts and financial difficulties. The report also highlights systemic failures, such as poor coordination between healthcare and government agencies, and long processing times at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).