This course looks at what our rights are and how advocates can assist people with mental health problems and their families to take control of the decisions that affect their care. Any person who, without reasonable cause, obstructs the rights of people to see an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA), or obstructs an advocate in their duties is guilty of an offence.

This course covers everything service users, their families, and professionals need to know about advocacy, demonstrates how staff and volunteers can support people to have a ‘voice’ and lets you know how to access advocacy services in your local area.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Understand the values and principles underpinning the Human Rights Act, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
• Consider the roles and responsibilities of professionals, carers, families and service users in relation to this legislation
• Understand the ethos and principles of advocacy, and the varied roles and responsibilities of mental health advocates
• Have an awareness of circumstances where advocates must be involved and where they may be involved to protect service users’ rights
• Consider how advocates may help in situations where people face losing or have lost their liberty.

Date:  13 July 2023

Times:  10am to 4pm

Venue:  Room 3, The Curve, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BL