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Redbridge Advocacy Services

Services on offer...

• General Advocacy
• IMHA – Independent Mental Health Advocacy
• IMCA – Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy
• DoLs – Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard

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Advocacy is taking action to help people:

Express their views and wishes
Secure their rights
Have their interests represented
Access information and services
Explore choices and options

What we can do…

Help you to speak up and get your views heard
Help you to protect your rights as an individual
Help you to get information that will help you to make decisions about your care and treatment
Speak up on your behalf when you feel unable to yourself – for example at meetings
Support you to solve any problems you may be experiencing

General Advocacy

Our general advocacy service is for everyone who is a resident in the London Borough of Redbridge and is a user of mental health services, whether they are in hospital or in the community. Our advocates will listen to what you have to say and help you speak up if you feel you do not have the power to say what you want to say. 

IMHA – Independent Mental Health Advocacy

If you are being detained under a Mental Health Section, you are legally entitled to help and support from an Independent Mental Health Advocate. Our IMHAs can support you with understanding and getting information about your rights under the Mental Health Act, the parts of the Act that apply to you and the medical treatments being proposed for you. Our IMHAs will also ensure you have the opportunity to exercise your right to appeal your detention under the Act and you have legal representation at your tribunal.

IMCA – Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduces the new Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service (IMCA). This service is for anyone who lacks capacity and is the subject of a decision regarding:

Serious Medical Treatment
Or
A long term move to accommodation arranged by the NHS or local authority
And
Does not have family or friends who are willing and able to be consulted about the decision and who are considered appropriate to consult

IMCAs may also be involved in Accommodation Reviews or if a person is subject to Safeguarding Vulnerable Adult procedures. For Safeguarding cases only, a person may still be eligible for the IMCA service even if they have family or friends. 

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard

From 1st April 2009 Managing Authorities (Care Homes or NHS Hospitals) and Supervisory Bodies (Local Authority or Primary Care Trusts) will have a duty to consult a Deprivation of Liberty (DOLS) IMCA when making decisions around granting safeguards for people who may have to be deprived of their liberty in keeping with new government regulations. 

This service is for anyone age 18 and over who:

Suffer from a disorder or disability of the mind and lacks capacity to give consent to arrangements made for their care and treatment.

The DOLS IMCA will ensure that all relevant factors, including the individual’s wishes and feelings are taken into consideration, by those making decisions about whether or not to grant a deprivation of liberty and will continue their involvement with the person until the authorisation expires. 

"Satina worked hard for me and is a shining example of advocacy  -  10 / 10!"

- Service User in Redbridge