About this service
We provide statutory advocacy for people in Westminster who are detained under the Mental Health Act (sometimes called being “sectioned”), or who are on certain kinds of treatment orders.
If that’s you then you have the legal right to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA). They can help you understand your rights, support you in meetings with professionals, and make sure your views are taken into account when decisions are made about your care and treatment.
You can find out more about what working with an IMHA might look like by reading about Ali’s story.
Who is it for?
People in Westminster detained or treated under the Mental Health Act.
When is it available?
When you are in hospital under the Mental Health Act, on a Community Treatment Order, or under guardianship.
What does the advocate do?
Explains your rights, helps you understand treatment, attends meetings with you, and makes sure your views are heard.
How to access the service
Our advocates maintain a regular visible presence on hospital wards and patients can contact them directly. You can ask the hospital staff or your care team to contact us to arrange an advocate for you. Or you or a friend or family member can contact us using the form below.
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about this service or you want to apply for an advocate for yourself or someone you know then please fill in the form below or contact our referrals team.
Email: referrals@advocacyproject.org.uk
Call: 020 3960 9720
This form is form members of the public seeking an advocate. If you are a professional please use our Professional Referrals page instead.
Public service request form
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If it wasn’t for your outstanding support, I would have felt trapped and alone. I am extremely grateful for what you do.
Former service user
For professionals
This service is available to people in the following situations:
- Detained under the Mental Health Act 1983/2007 (even if on leave of absence from the hospital), but excluding Sections 4, 5, 135, 136
- Conditionally discharged restricted patient
- Subject to guardianship
- Subject to supervised community treatment orders (CTOs)
- Being considered for section 57 or section 58A treatment
If you would like to make a referral please visit our Professional Referrals page.
Paid advocacy
The Advocacy Project can support you wherever you are.
Our Paid Advocacy service introduces you to an expert advocate who will get to know you, help you understand your rights, and support you to make your wishes known.
They could write letters with you, take part in video calls, or even accompany you to meetings.
They’re on your side, championing you, every step of the way.