Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)

When someone is admitted to hospital they can be detained under the Mental Health Act. This can be very distressing, and sometimes people who are being detained feel powerless and unable to ask questions or get information.

Independent mental health advocacy can help. The support of a trained advocate can help someone understand:

• why they have been detained
• explain their rights under the Mental Health Act
• ensure their views and wishes are considered by professional staff involved in their care and treatment.

Advocates are fully-trained to work with patients detained under the Mental Health Act. Their experience and knowledge can help ensure that patients are involved in the decisions that are made about them.

If you are eligible and would like to have a mental health advocate, you can contact Advocacy For All at:

Tel: 0345 310 1812 (local rate from landlines)
Email: referrals@advocacyforall.org.uk

The Civic Centre
St Mary’s Road
Swanley
BR8 7BU

To complete a referral form for a mental health advocate, please click here.