The Mental Capacity Act 2005

Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)

An Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) is specially trained to work within the framework of the Mental Health Act 1983. They support people to understand their rights under the Act and participate in decisions about their care and treatment. There is a legal duty to provide IMHAs for all eligible people. You can receive the support of an IMHA if you are:

• An inpatient in hospital and being assessed or receiving treatment for a mental health problem whilst you are in there
• Detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act
• Detained on a short term section
• An informal patient
• Being considered for neurosurgery for mental disorder or ECT for under  eighteen years
• Subject to a Community Treatment Order
• Conditionally discharged or subject to guardianship 

To find out more about IMHA services contact:

Advocacy West Wales
Tel: 01437 762935 or 01267 223197
www.mapadvocacy.org.uk

Useful websites
www.publicguardian.gov.uk
www.elderabuse.org.uk