Types of advocacy
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
Who for?
People who are sectioned or receiving certain treatments under the Mental Health Act.
What IMHAs do:
- Help people understand their rights under the Mental Health Act
- Support people in meetings, ward rounds, and tribunals
- Help people express their views about their care and treatment
More info - https://www.mind.org.uk/inform...
General Advocacy (GEN)
Who for?
Anyone over 18 in the community who needs help to be heard but does not meet legal criteria for statutory advocacy.
What GEN advocates do:
- Support with understanding information
- Help prepare for meetings and appointments
- Support with expressing wishes and making decisions
Care Act Advocacy (CAA)
Who for?
People over 18 involved in Care Act processes who have substantial difficulty being involved and no one appropriate to support them.
This includes:
- Needs assessments
- Care and support planning
- Reviews
- Carers’ assessments
- Safeguarding processes
What CAA advocates do:
- Help the person take part in assessments and reviews
- Support them to express wishes and views
- Help them understand options and plans
More information https://www.mind.org.uk/inform...
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
Who for?
People over 18 who lack capacity to make a specific decision and have no one appropriate to support them.
This is required when decisions are about:
- Serious medical treatment
- Moving to, or remaining in, a care home or hospital
- Safeguarding enquiries
What IMCAs do:
- Meet the person to understand their wishes as far as possible
- Gather information from professionals
- Provide a report to help ensure the decision is in the person’s best interests
More information: https://www.mind.org.uk/inform...
Paid Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR)
Who for?
People over 18 who are subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisation in a care home or hospital.
What RPRs do:
- Visit the person regularly
- Check care plans and daily notes
- Raise concerns with the DoLS team
- Support challenges (such as a Section 21A challenge)
More info https://www.mind.org.uk/inform...
1.2 Representative
Who for?
People over 18 who are deprived of liberty under Community DOLS and need a representative.
What a 1.2 Representative does:
- Maintain regular contact
- Represent the person’s wishes and feelings
- Support them to understand their rights
- Help with reviews or challenges
More info https://www.mind.org.uk/inform...