From April 2009 Independent Mental Health Advocacy services provide an additional safeguard for patients who are subject to the Act. Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs) are specialist advocates who will be trained specifically to work within the framework of the Act to meet the needs of patients.
Malcolm King NMHDU Programme Lead
NMHDU are supporting the implementation of the IMHA role across the Country working with Primary Care Trusts Mental Health Trusts commissioners and advocacy providers to deliver an effective IMHA service. NMHDU will be running a series of events and producing information products, training materials and a DVD to facilitate the understanding of the role .
Independent Mental Health Advocacy- Effective Practice Guide 2009
This guide is for advocates working as IMHAs in England. it describes the statutory framework and requirements for IMHAs. This includes the rights, duties and responsibilities under the Act of IMHAs and those who provide IMHA services.
Its purpose is to provide guidance for IMHAs to support them in their everyday practice; it is a quick reminder of some of the issues IMHAs may face with suggestions of good practice.
To obtain a hard copy of this guide, please contact magdalena.milejczak@nmhdu.org.uk
Should to Shoulder, a new DVD for Independent Mental Health Advocates
For the first time in England and Wales, patients subject to certain aspects of the mental health act will have access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA).
Advocacy means many things to different people. This film features the perceptions of people drawn from the voluntary and statutory services about independent advocacy.
Independent Mental Health Advocacy: Workbook for Independent Study
This ‘specialist pathway' unit provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate the practical skills and underpinning knowledge that an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) requires to work effectively across a range of settings.
