Rights and laws

This factsheet explains how and when you can access health records and further information.

Advance statements, also referred to as advance directives or advance agreements, are an expression of the wishes of someone who experiences mental illness about the type of care and treatment to be provided if they become unwell. This factsheet explains how these are used.

A factsheet designed to help people using mental health services say what they want, obtain their rights and gain access to the services they need.

Breaking the Silence looks at how physically disabled people, African Americans, women and the LGBT community have had their rights recognised through civil rights and suggests how people with mental illness could do the same.

This factsheet looks at the care available to someone with a mental health problem, including aftercare for someone who has been under a ‘treatment’ section of the Mental Health Act.

A factsheet on the right carers have to be assessed by social services and the process involved.

Fully updated third edition of the essential guide for people caring for someone with mental illness.

While mental health services may be closed for a variety of reasons, in some cases it is possible to challenge the closure.  This factsheet looks at why services might close, the proper procedure for closure, and how this might be challenged.

Factsheet on the new Care Programme Approach.