Dorset Mental Health Advocacy (DMHA) and Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)

Dorset Mental Health Advocacy

The service offers assistance on a range of matters. There are certain issues we cannot help with however, which may require you seeking more specialist advice.

We can:

• Offer support to accepted clients at meetings, court appearances, tribunals, ward rounds and Care Programme Approach (CPA) reviews
• Help make official complaints and prepare documents
• Help you express your point of view to the right people and get your voice heard
• Find expert advice, and liaise with official agencies - including benefits agencies
• Ensure you are treated in accordance with your rights

But we cannot:

• Give you money or benefits
• Give detailed legal, personal or medical advice
• Offer counseling, befriending or emotional support
• Help you if your problem is more appropriately dealt with by another agency
• Respond to a crisis or respond out of hours

How do I contact a DMHA?

• You can telephone the main Advocacy number or call an advocate for your area using the numbers supplied on the right
• You can ask someone else to contact us on your behalf

We will aim to return your call within 5 working days and, if you wish, visit you as soon as possible after our call.

Although anyone can ask a DMHA to visit you, including your nearest relative or a health professional, it is your choice if you wish to meet with one or not.

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Independent Mental Health Advocacy

The service is a free and confidential service for people who are subject to the Mental Health Act.

What is an IMHA?

An IMHA is an advocate who is specially trained to work with people who are subject to the Mental Health Act. This means most people who are detained or 'sectioned' under the Act. You can also get help from an IMHA if you are conditionally discharged, under Guardianship or on Supervised Community Treatment.

If you are an 'informal' patient you will also be eligible for help from an IMHA if you are being considered for serious treatment, such as neurosurgery for a mental disorder, or ECT if you are under 18 years old.

Our IMHAs are completely separate from the NHS and Social Services and work for the Dorset Mental Health Forum, which is an independent charity.

How can an IMHA help you?

An IMHA can help you obtain information and understanding about:

• The parts of the Mental Health Act which apply to you and what these mean
• Your rights under the Act
• The rights other people (such as your nearest relative) have under the Act
• Any conditions or restrictions that apply to you
• Any medical treatment you are receiving or which is being proposed

An IMHA can also help you exercise your rights, including:

• How you can appeal about your detention under the Act
• Support you in putting forward your views and wishes at ward rounds and other meetings, such as Managers' meetings and Tribunals
• Speak on your behalf and represent you
• Access other support services
• Help you obtain suitable support for when you leave hospital

How do I contact an IMHA?

• You can telephone the main Advocacy number (01305 261483) or call an advocate for your area using the numbers supplied on the right
• You can ask someone else to contact us on your behalf

We will aim to return your call within 5 working days and, if you wish, visit you as soon as possible after our call.

Although anyone can ask an IMHA to visit you, including your nearest relative or a health professional, it is your choice if you wish to meet with one or not.

What if I am not entitled to an IMHA?

Our organisation also provides the Dorset Mental Health Advocacy service for people who are not eligible for an IMHA. Details above.