Advocacy Information & Advice—Legal Advice

Legal advice on mental health law and rights can be accessed through one of the following organisations. See also Mental Health Legislation and Advocacy.

Local contacts

Cambridgeshire IMCA Service
Speaking Up
1a Fortescue Road
Cambridge 
CB4 2JS

Telephone Referral line:  0845 650 0081
Email: imca@speakingup.org
Website: www.speakingup.org

The Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service is a statutory advocacy service for people who lack mental capacity to make specific decisions who have no family or friends who can be consulted about the decision .Referrals are made by practitioners who are proposing to make a decision about serious medical treatment, a long term change in accommodation or decisions related to adult safeguarding procedures or a care review. If a person fits the above criteria, they have a legal right to an advocate.

Mental Health Act Commission
Maid Marion House
56 Hounds Gate
Nottingham
NG1 6BG

Tel: 0115 943 7100
Website: www.mhac.org.uk

This is a special health authority authorised to keep under review all aspects of the care of patients detained under the Mental Health Act. It can investigate complaints, arrange second opinions under the Mental Health Act on consent to treatment provisions and is responsible for monitoring the Mental Health Act Code of Practice.

Mental Health Review Tribunals
PO Box 8793
5th Floor
Leicester
LE1 8BN

Tel: 0116 249 7059
Website: www.mhrt.org.uk

These independent tribunals, which hear patients' appeals are made up of three people, a lawyer, a psychiatrist and a lay person with relevant qualifications or skills. Patients can either make their own case or have the right to representation.

Links

MIND
Legal information and your rights www.mind.org.uk

Directgov
Details of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act www.directgov.uk