Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)

Service

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).

Eligibility:

Under a mental health section and residing within Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire area.

Being detained under a Section of the MHA* or are on leave of absence from hospital.
Conditionally discharged and restricted patients.
Subject to Guardianship.
On Supervised Community Treatment.
Being considered for a section 57 treatment.
Under 18 and being considered for a Section 58A treatment like electro-convulsive therapy.

*This does not include emergency and short-term detentions such as those made under Sections 4, 5(2), 5(4), 135 or 136.

Summary –

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).

Our other advocacy services

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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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.

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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.

0300 800 1000

[email protected]

Send us a text: 60777

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We work alongside people, supporting them to have their voices heard and be part of any decisions made about their care and support. Our services are free and confidential.

Contacts Info

0300 800 1000

[email protected]

Send us a text: 60777

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Asist Advocacy Services is a registered charity number: 1048075

Asist is a company registered in England – company number: 3068125