Whilst you are subject to the Mental Health Act you may have questions about your rights, treatment and care. If so an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) could help you. The Independent Mental Health Advocacy is a specific type of advocate provided to patients under the revised Mental Health Act 2007.

Who is the service for?

	Anyone detained or sectioned under the Mental Health Act
	Anyone on a Community Treatment Order or conditional discharged
	Anyone subject to guardianship
	If you are an informal patient likely to be detained
	Any patient discussing serious treatment such as neurosurgery or ECT for anyone under 18
	If you are an informal or voluntary patient you can still see a mental health advocate so contact us about the service we can offer you

What can we do?

	Explain how the Mental Health Act affects you
	Provide you with information on rights and help you understand how to use them
	Help you get information about and understand any treatment you are being offered and given
	Support you and represent your views at ward rounds, tribunals and meetings
	Help you make a complaint or challenge a decision about your treatment
	Support you to be more involved in the decisions about your care
	Look at your medical records if you agree and give your permission

Service Opening Hours
The IMHA service operates Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm within Mill View and Nevill Hospitals and community settings as required. The service is contactable via our offices at Buckingham Road. Please click here for contact details.

Project Funding
The Inpatients Advocacy service is funded by Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust.

Downloads
IMHA Leaflet 
The Role of an IMHA 
IMHA Service Information for Staff 
Information for Carers and Relatives