The Mental Health Act 2025
What is changing in the law?
A new Mental Health Act became law on 18 December 2025. It brings new rights, including advance choice documents and choosing a nominated person. They start in stages from 2027, over up to ten years.
Being checked by an independent advocate before it goes live.
The short version
- Advance choice documents will let you set out your wishes in a format the law recognises.
- You will be able to choose a nominated person, instead of a nearest relative chosen for you.
- The changes start in stages. Until each one starts, the current rules apply.
- New rights only help people who know about them. That is a big part of why Ownsay exists.
What you can do
- Write an advance statement now. We will help you move it to the new format when it starts.
- Think about who you would choose as your nominated person.
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.
