The IMHA service in the county of Shropshire and the Borough of Telford & Wrekin is provided by SIAS (an independent charitable company) and has been funded by the Shropshire PCT and Telford & Wrekin PCT

Under Section 130A, of the Mental Health Act 2007, appropriate arrangements have been made by the Secretary of State for England and Welsh Ministers for Wales, to provide Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA) for ‘qualifying’ patients.This came into force as from the 1st April 2009.

IMHA services provide an additional safeguard for patients who are subject to the Act.

IMHAs are specialist advocates who are trained to work within the framework of the Act.

If detained under the Act (even if they are currently on leave of absence from hospital);

Conditionally discharged restricted patients;

Subject to guardianship; or

Supervised community treatment (SCT) patients.

Patients being detained on the basis of an emergency application (section 4) until the second medical recommendation is received;

Patients under the holding powers in section 5;

Patients in a place of safety under section 135 or 136.

Being considered for a treatment to which section 57 applies;

Under 18 and being considered for electroconvulsive therapy or any other treatment to which section 58A applies.

Their rights under the Act;

The rights which other people have in relation to them under the Act;

The particular parts of the Act which apply to them;

Any medical treatment that they are receiving or might receive.

IMHAs also support patients in a range of other ways to ensure they can participate in the decisions that are made about their care and treatment.

Engage with the care planning process;

Access Mental Health Review Tribunals, prepare for them and understand the decisions made;

Negotiate appropriate aftercare;

Access other support and services;

Raise concerns about their experience/care.