We will give assistance in cases on the responsibilities of health and social care trusts in relation to treatment and care for people with mental health difficulties.

We will represent clients before the Mental Health Review Tribunal where they wish to challenge guardianship or detention and compulsory treatment in hospital. We will represent clients in strategic cases in the High Courts and beyond where appropriate.

We will give priority to cases which raise important human rights issues. We are particularly interested in challenging delays in arranging tribunal hearings, consent  to treatment provisions, informal admissions and delays in discharge and after care provisions. We are also interested in exploring cases about inadequate service provision.

Below is a summary of the mental health work undertaken:

Advice and casework

• admission to hospital
• treatment
• capacity to make decisions
• discharge delay
• community services
• carers
• other mental health legal issues

Representation

• mental health review tribunals
• training and information
• support for advisers, advocates and others working with mental health services users

Policy and campaign work

• promoting the rights of people with mental health difficulties