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. Service 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.

The Mental Health Act can seem quite confusing and complicated. We have some videos to explain the sections of the Mental Health Act and what it means for yourself or a loved one.

Advocacy services

Advocacy Focus provide independent advocacy 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.

Blackpool Advocacy Hub provides independent advocacy services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment at The Harbour, Blackpool and for all Blackpool Council based community patients.

N-Compass provide independent advocacy services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment at Pendleview and Hillview, Blackburn, Dane Garth, Barrow and Kentmere Ward in Kendal, as well as for all Blackburn with Darwen Council and Cumbria Council based community patients.

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

VoiceAbility provide independent advocacy services to qualifying patients receiving care and treatment from specialist services based at Guild Lodge.