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Independent Mental Health Advocacy

Independent Mental Health Advocates provide an important safeguard for certain patients treated under the compulsory powers of the Mental Health Act. Advocates provide patients who qualify with support and help. Bristol Mind provides the IMHA service in Bristol.

IMHA Advocates ensure that the patient's voice is heard, help patients to get information, support patients in exploring options and making better-informed decisions. Information shared with an IMHA is confidential.

The IMHA service does not replace the mental health advocacy service available to all inpatients in Southmead, Callington Road, Fromeside, Wickham and Lansdowne units. It is an additional service for specific patients.

For more information read the IMHA leaflet (pdf) or contact us.

Patients who qualify for advocacy support are:

  • detained or liable to be detained under the 1983 Act
  • subject to guardianship under the Act
  • community patients subject to community treatment orders
  • conditionally discharged
  • being considered for section 57 or 58A treatments but are not otherwise subject to the Act (i.e. an ‘informal’ patient)

Patients may want to consider talking to an IMHA:

  • as soon as practicable after their arrival in hospital under one of the relevant sections of the Act
  • before the initial discussion with their clinician about the proposed treatment plan
  • when the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is being considered
  • when an application has been made or is being considered to the MHRT for Wales or to the hospital managers
  • when they choose not to be legally represented at a tribunal hearing
  • when they want to make, or have made, a complaint
  • when they want to discuss any aspect of their care or treatment
  • when they want to apply to displace their nearest relative
  • when they are consulted about the conditions to be attached to a community treatment order (CTO)
  • when a CTO is renewed, revoked, or its conditions are varied
  • when a meeting is held to discuss after-care.

How to contact an IMHA

Callington Road and Southmead hospital patients

Paul Turner on 9800375

Fromeside, Wickham or Lansdowne

Male patients - Tom Hore on 0117 980 0386
Female patients - Jo Burgess on 0117 980 0386

Black or Minority Ethnic background patients – any hospital

Zakira Takolia on 9800389

Guardianship or on Community Treatment Orders

Tom Hore on 9800386

Alternatively referrals can be made by post or fax

Bristol Mind IMHA service 35, Old Market Street Bristol BS2 0EZ
Fax: 0117 9276587

For any general enquiries about the service please email advocacyinaction@bristolmind.org.uk