Mental Health Act 1983:
Information for Service Users
& Carers

The Mental Health Act 1983 (and amended 2007) provides a legal framework within which health and social care staff can intervene, where necessary and when the legal criteria is met, to protect people who are deemed to be suffering from a mental disorder. The Trust in partnership with local social services authorities provides services for people who are detained under the Mental Health Act. Services users may engage with our community teams under a Community Treatment Order, under Guardianship, under a Conditional Discharge; or could be detained in hospital for assessment and treatment.

We have developed a series of Mental Health Act videos to provide information for service users and carers on the powers, roles and responsibilities within the Act and the safeguards for service users who are subject to the Mental Health Act. Please see the menu on the left to access these videos.

We would appreciate your feedback. Particularly if you have any thoughts on how the information videos or website can be developed and improved. Please send your feedback to communications@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

IMHA and advocacy services

Advocacy Focus provide IMHA services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment at The Orchard, Chorley Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Ormskirk's Scarisbrick Unit and for all Lancashire County Council based community patients.

Empowerment provide IMHA services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment at The Harbour, Blackpool and for all Blackpool Council based community patients.

N-Compass provide IMHA services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment at Pendleview and  Hillview, Blackburn and for all Blackburn with Darwen Council based community patients.

Real Advocacy provide IMHA services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment at The Cove, Heysham.

VoiceAbility provide IMHA services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment from LSCFT's specialist services based a Guild Lodge.

Patient information leaflets

Please follow this link to read our patient information leaflets

LSCFT Information for Carers of People Admitted to Hospital

Other useful websites and attachments

Detention under the Mental Health Act		Your rights under the Mental Health Act		The Mind guide to the Mental Health Act 1983