Independent Mental Health Advocacy

As a general rule, if you are subject to the powers of the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended), then you have a legal right to access the IMHA service funded by your Local Authority. (Please refer to Qualifying patients)

An IMHA is commissioned to work with people who have issues that are to do with, or arise directly from, the fact that they are subject to the powers of the Act. This could be:

• Explaining your rights under the Act
• Support and/or preparation for meetings e.g. Ward Rounds, Care Programme Approach (CPA), Tribunals, Managers Appeals, etc
• Referral to specialist organisations e.g. MH solicitors
• Speaking to professionals with you, or on your behalf
• Helping to make complaints
• Information about services
• Accessing medical records

The IMHA works to a professional model of advocacy (issue specific, and not ongoing support) and an instructional model (we work to the clients instructions and never make decisions on their behalf).

There are some areas where the IMHA cannot be involved beyond a cursory level, such as benefits, housing, legal matters (not Mental Health Act), etc. In these cases you should see a generic advocate. Contact us for details.

Matrix IMHA service covers the Abraham Cowley Unit, Ridgewood Centre and Farnham Road in-patient hospitals as well as community clients (qualifying patients) in West Surrey (Guildford & Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, West Elmbridge and Woking).

The IMHA service in East Surrey is provided by KAG Advocacy.

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Other info

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contact DETAILS

2 The Green
North Waltham
Hampshire
RG25 2BQ

Tel: 01256 398928
Fax: 01256 398929

Please note that no services are delivered from this address. Click on the relevant service tab to contact an individual service.