IMHA – Independent Mental Health Advocacy
Independent Mental Health Advocacy
We support people who are detained under a section (as in the Mental Health Act), including voluntary (informal) patients, in a secure hospital/unit and/or locked ward, including rehabilitation services and forensic mental health services, or those in the community under a CTO (Community Treatment Order) or under a Guardianship.
Being detained under a section can be an uncertain time. It means there are things you can and can’t do. You might have new treatments or revised care pathways, and some professionals have certain rights to make decisions about you.
An advocate can help you understand your rights and help you get answers to your questions. They can attend meetings with you and speak to people on your behalf. As well as this, an IMHA can:
- Support you to appeal your section;
- Attend Managers Hearings either with you or on your behalf;
- Ask for medication reviews;
- Support you with Mental Health Review Tribunals;
- Help you to understand ‘jargon’;
- Support you with seclusion’
- Help with concerns about ECT.
There are many other situations which your IMHA can support you with, if they are in relation to your care and treatment as a detained patient, including informal, or community based.
You can refer yourself or ask someone to do it for you. This could be anyone whom you trust; a family member, friend, or a health or social care professional.
IMHA Referrals
To make a referral:
Call the Direct Referral line 01332 228748
Download the form by clicking the button below
Please print, fill it out and return to us via email or post. Send the completed form to:
Manager
One Advocacy
Marble Hall
80 Nightingale Raod
Derby
DE24 8BF
or email to referrals@oneadvocacyderby.org