Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)

Service

Asist are the provider of IMCA services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. IMCA’s support people when they are assessed to lack capacity to make a best interest decision and they do not have family or friends appropriate to consult about the decision.

Eligibility

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 states that Local Authorities and NHS bodies have the power to instruct an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) when:

  • long-term accommodation (to hospital for more than 28 days or to other accommodation for more than 8 weeks)
  • serious medical treatment (this can be a decision about whether to stop or withhold treatment, as well as a decision to start it)

IMCA instructions can also be made for Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults when protective measures are proposed (irrespective of consultable friends/family) and for Care Reviews relating to accommodation.

In the case of a care review or safeguarding, a Care Act referral can sometimes be more appropriate than an IMCA referral. The Mental Capacity Act gives professionals the power to make an advocacy referral in these situations, whereas the Care Act gives them a duty.

Summary –

Asist provides IMCA services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, supporting individuals without capacity who lack suitable family or friends to consult on best interest decisions.

Our other advocacy services

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Independent Visitors (IVs) are volunteers who offer confidential support to a young person, separate from social services. We carefully match each young person with the right volunteer based on shared interests.

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Our children’s advocacy service is there to ensure looked after children and young people in Stoke-on-Trent are supported in advocating their wishes and feelings in decisions which affect them.

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Care homes or hospitals must request a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard (DoLS) if they may be depriving someone of liberty. The RPR service offers independent representation for those under DoLS.

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BME Advocacy is available for anyone in Stoke-on-Trent, aged 18 years or over from a BME community with a disability and/or mental health need. Advocates will support people to articulate their concerns and navigate the NHS system.

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The role of the Parental Advocate is to empower and support parents to fully engage in the Children’s Social Care statutory processes.

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Living in Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire and need help with an NHS complaint? This free, confidential service assists in raising concerns and improving NHS services through explanations, apologies, or care improvements.

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The Care Act 2014 mandates local authorities to offer independent advocacy for individuals struggling with care decisions, ensuring their involvement when no suitable support is available.

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An IMHA supports people with issues relating to their mental health care and treatment. They also help people understand their rights under the Mental Health Act (MHA).

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Asist provides IMCA services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, supporting individuals without capacity who lack suitable family or friends to consult on best interest decisions.

Find out more >>

GET IN TOUCH

We’re here to listen and support you. If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like to learn more about our advocacy efforts, please reach out to us using the form below. Your voice matters, and we’re committed to making a difference together.

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