Independant Mental Health Advocacy Service

An IMHA is a specific type of mental health advocate for people who are detained under the 2007 Mental Health Act.  IMHAs undergo training which is formally approved by the Department of Health.  An IMHA will help patients to obtain and understand information about their rights and how to understand them.

Aims:

To provide specialist advocates as an additional safeguard for patients who are subject to the Mental Health Act.

To complement but not replace any existing advocacy or support services that are available to patients.

Objectives:

To help patients understand and access their rights under the Act

To represent and negotiate on behalf of the patient

To support patients to make decisions about their care and treatment

To provide a patient-centred service which is free, confidential, impartial, and accessible to all who qualify for the service.

Contact:    imha@swindonmind.org


~ Working towards better mental health for everyone ~