East Ayrshire Advocacy Services

Welcome to our Mental Health Act Service.
Our mission is to ensure that people who are subject to the Mental Health Act understand their rights and have their views heard.

For people subject to the Mental Health Act.
MAKE A REFERRAL CONTACT US
Meet our Mental Health Act Advocacy Team
Yvonne Steele
Mental Health Act Advocacy Worker
Adult Advocacy Worker

As an advocate within the Mental Health Act Service I witness everyday the importance of the support provided to those vulnerable in the community. This ensures people are informed of their rights and have their views heard when decisions are made regarding their lives when detained and at Mental Health Tribunals, reviews and meetings.

How do we support people who are subject to the Mental Health Act?

People who are subject to the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act – who have a mental health issue, learning disability, autism or dementia – have a legal right to independent advocacy. The role of the advocate is not restricted to mental health situations. This means that if you are detained in hospital and/or are subject to a Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO) we can visit you if you need help to make your views known, e.g., in a mental health tribunal or appeal.

 

People subject to the Mental Health Act have the right:

  • To have their past and present wishes taken into account
  • To get the information and support they need to take part in decisions
  • To have the views of their carer, named person, guardian, or welfare attorney taken into account
  • To have the full range of options for their care explored
  • To be given treatment that provides maximum benefit
  • To have their background, beliefs, and abilities taken into account
  • For any restrictions on their freedom to be the ‘minimum necessary in the circumstances’
  • To not be treated less favourably than other patients
  • To have their carers’ needs taken into account and for them to get information and support
  • For special care of their welfare to be taken if they are under 18 years of age