IMHA Services
In addition to our existing advocacy services, Loud and Clear are now providing Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) Services, as defined under the 2007 amendments to the 1983 Mental Health Act.
Purpose of the IMHA Service
IMHA services provide an additional safeguard for patients who are subject to the powers of the Mental Health Act. This includes people who are ‘sectioned' in hospital, people subject to guardianship, and people subject to Community Treatment Orders.
What does an IMHA do?
IMHAs can support people in obtaining and understanding information that relates to their situation under the Mental Health Act. This includes information about:
- Their rights under the Act.
- The rights of other people in relation to them.
- The particular parts of the Act that apply to them.
- Any conditions or restrictions to which they are subject.
- Any medical treatment they are receiving or might be given.
- The reasons for treatment, or proposed treatment.
- The legal authority for providing treatment, and the safeguards and any other requirements of the Act that may apply to them.
As well as providing information, an advocate can help people to exercise their rights, including representation at meetings. An advocate can also help people in other ways, to ensure they can participate in decisions that are made about their care and treatment.
Is this different to the existing advocacy service?
The IMHA service is very similar to our existing advocacy service, providing confidential and independent support and information. However, the role has been strengthened so that an IMHA can, with the client's permission, have access to medical notes, including section papers, and have access to discussions with professionals. However, the principles of our work remain the same and nothing about a client will be discussed without their knowledge and involvement.
About Loud and Clear
Loud and Clear provides a range of advocacy and user involvements projects in North West London. All our services aim to promote the voices and rights of people who are affected by their mental health. We work in a respectful and responsive way, putting the people we support at the heart of our work. If you would like to become involved in Loud and Clear as a member of our organisation, please give us a call on 020 8900 2221.
The infomation above can also be found in this leaflet. [PDF download link]
If you would like to contact our office directly, please call 020 8900 2221 or use the contact form on this site.