Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA)
The amended Mental Health Act gives a statutory right to qualifying people who are detained (sectioned) to have access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) on any issue relating to their care and treatment under the Act.
An IMHA is a specialist advocate who can provide information, access records, attend meetings, speak up for the person and help the person secure his/her rights under the Act. A person must be able to speak in confidence with their IMHA in private, whether face to face or on the telephone.
An IMHA does not in any way affect the person's right to legal advice and representation from a Solicitor and an IMHA is not qualified to carry out the work of a Solicitor.
As this is a statutory requirement, an IMHA has a responsibility within the Act to carry out this role.
The Network’s local agreement with the service providers includes a response for a request for an IMHA within three working days.
Leaflets (including easy read versions) of the service are available.
Awareness sessions to staff and to patients are given upon request.
Requests for an IMHA can be made by contacting the Network's office on
01322 285234.
(9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday)
This page last updated Mon, 29 August 2011