Independent Mental Health Advocacy Services (IMHA)

Advocacy Services @ The Care Forum provides Independent Mental Health Advocates in South Gloucestershire to represent and support people who meet the eligibility criteria under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007). 

1) Any patient who is detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.

2) Any patient subject to a Guardianship Order under the Mental Health Act.

3) Any patient on Supervised Community Treatment (SCT).

4) Any patient who is discussing with their doctor the possibility of psychosurgery (any surgical operation on the brain tissue).

5) Any patient under 18 years old who is discussing with their doctor the possibility of ECT or psychosurgery

6) Any patient who is conditionally discharged and subject to restrictions.

The role of the IMHA

An IMHA is a specific type of mental health advocate provided to qualifying patients under the 2007 Mental Health Act.

IMHAs work alongside you to help you understand your rights, provide information and support you to get your views across.

IMHAs are independent of any person who is professionally concerned with your care or medical treatment in any way.

IMHAs all undergo training which is formally approved by the Department of Health and are subject to regulations.

An IMHA will help you to obtain and understand information about:

• What the law says with regard to your section
• Any conditions or restrictions that apply
• Medical treatments
• Your rights and how to exercise those rights.
• Rights which other people have (i.e. nearest relatives)
• Help, support and representation

Referral Process

Referrals to IMHAs can come from a wide range of people. We have a duty to respond to requests that are received from:

• Patients
• Nearest relatives
• Responsible Clinicians
• Approved Mental Health Professional - AMHPs

Download our IMHA leaflet here

E-mail us at imha@thecareforum.org.uk

Telephone us 0117 965 4444 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and speak to a member of the team.

Write to us at IMHA @ The Care Forum, The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ