About this service
We provide statutory Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) for people who are detained on forensic wards in St Bernard’s Hospital.
Patients have the legal right to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA), who can help them understand their rights, support in meetings with professionals, and make sure their views are heard.
Who is it for?
People detained and treated under the Mental Health Act in St Bernard’s Hospital.
When is it available?
Our advocates attend each ward at St Bernard’s Hospital weekly.
What does the advocate do?
Provides information and support to patients helping them to share their views and effectively engage with health and social care professionals.
How to access the service
Our advocates maintain a regular, visible presence on the wards at St Bernard’s so patients can approach them directly or ask hospital staff to make sure an advocate meets with them.
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 accompany you to meetings.
They’re on your side, championing you, every step of the way.