Easy Read information about your rights under the Mental Health Act
Information from the gov.uk website
It was a breath of fresh air to feel like the labels didn’t matter and I was being heard.
The only exception to this is if you are detained under one of these short term sections: 4, 5, 135, or 136.
An advocate is an independent professional who is on your side. They can support you to have your say and know your rights.
They are on your side and don’t work for the hospital or the NHS. You don’t need to pay for an advocate.
The type of advocate you can get is called an ‘Independent Mental Health Advocate’. This is sometimes shortened to ‘IMHA’.
Advocates help to make sure that doctors listen to you. This does not mean that doctors will always do everything you want them to. But your advocate will be on your side.
If you don’t agree that you should be in hospital, it’s important to speak to an advocate as soon as you arrive.
You can get help from an advocate at any time you want to during your treatment.
Our advocates visit mental health wards on a regular basis and by law, hospital staff must make sure you have access to an advocate.
To get an advocate, talk to hospital staff, talk to an advocate when they visit your ward, or contact your local advocacy provider.
Find out if we work in your area and request an advocate
Information from the gov.uk website