The experience of inpatient admission, whether voluntary or under the Mental Health Act (MHA), can be confusing and disempowering. Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) plays a crucial role in ensuring your views are heard and that your needs and wishes are acted upon.

Our IMHA service is impartial and confidential and service users are at the heart of our care.

We can support you with:

  • Exploring your options
  • Helping you make informed decisions
  • Accessing your information (e.g. health records)
  • Accessing other services
  • Helping you write letters and make phone calls
  • Preparing for tribunals
  • Supporting your cultural preferences
  • Explaining the complaints process and progressing complaints
  • Help your understanding of your rights under the Mental Health Act

Our advocates can go with you to:

  • Ward rounds
  • Care programme approach (CPA) meetings
  • Meetings appealing your section
  • Medication reviews
  • Discharge (section 117) meetings

Who can we support?

Qualifying patients, including those detained under the MHA under various sections or living in the community under a Community Treatment Order (CTO) or a conditional discharge, have a statutory right to IMHA support.

Make a Referral