Independent Mental Health Advocacy - The Right to Be Heard

An Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) is someone who is trained to work within the framework of the Mental Health Act to support anyone in need of an advocate who qualifies to have one. This book provides a comprehensive overview of independent mental health advocacy, the role of Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs), the context of advocacy and how it fits in with mental health services. Exploring mental health advocacy in practice, and including the voices of IMHAs and service users, the authors cover topics such as communicating with service users, relationships with service providers, skills, organisation, independent mental health advocacy in relation to the law, and commissioning. Drawing on the latest major research, the authors highlight the recent developments in independent mental health advocacy, including the formal establishment of the IMHA role. They also look at advocacy within secure mental health settings, advocacy with African and Caribbean men, and a provide a national review of IMHA provision. This will be essential reading for IMHAs and IMHAs in training, and will provide mental health professionals who come into contact with them with an understanding of the IMHA role.