Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
People who are treated under the Mental Health Act have the right to independent mental health advocacy (IMHA).
This applies to hospital patients and those who are on a Supervised Community Treatment Orders or under guardianship.
How can an IMHA help?
An IMHA is independent, they are not a member of the medical or social care team and play no part in your treatment and care.
These are some of the ways in which an IMHA might help you:
- explaining and exercising your rights
- request a review of your section through access to a mental health tribunal
- understanding how to raise concerns about your experience and/or care in hospital
- helping you to find out information about your treatment
- preparing and supporting you at meetings, ward rounds or care reviews
- being fully involved in your care planning
- helping you to find out whether any conditions or restrictions apply to you
Please visit our commissioned IMHA provider: Advocacy Hub