Independent mental health advocates
Who can speak up for me?
An independent mental health advocate, or IMHA, helps you understand your rights and have your say. They are free and they are not part of the hospital team.
Being checked by an independent advocate before it goes live.
The short version
- If you are detained under most sections of the Mental Health Act, you have the right to an IMHA.
- An IMHA can help you understand your rights, your treatment and the rules that apply to you.
- They can come to meetings with you and help you say what you want.
- Staff should tell you how to contact one. If they don’t, ask.
What you can do
- Ask a nurse or the ward manager to contact an IMHA for you.
- Ask your family or someone you trust to contact one for you.
This is general information about the law in England. It is not advice about your own situation. For that, speak to an independent mental health advocate or a solicitor who specialises in mental health law.
