A Mental Health Tribunal is an independent organisation set up to make decisions on the compulsory care and treatment of people with mental disorders in Scotland.
Many people can find themselves subject to detentions such as Compulsory Treatment Orders or Short-Term Detention Certificates, whether in hospital or in the community. If you are subject to any compulsory measures, you are entitled to Legal Aid to exercise your legal rights of appeal, regardless of your means. You have the right to access Legal Aid regardless of your income or savings. Your Independent Mental Health Advocacy Worker can help you to access representation from a solicitor with years of mental health legal experience. Your Independent Advocacy Worker will advocate on your behalf throughout the process, ensuring that your views are heard and your rights are upheld.
A Mental Health Tribunal is an independent organisation set up to make decisions on the compulsory care and treatment of people with mental disorders in Scotland.
The Tribunal has a President and 300 members around Scotland. There will be a group of three people – a doctor (psychiatrist), a lawyer and another person with relevant skills and experience, e.g. a nurse, social worker or someone with personal experience of mental illness, learning disability or related condition. The Tribunal must hear and read all the information about you and your case. They then decide what to do about your care and treatment.
The main role of the Tribunal is to consider and determine applications for Compulsory Treatment Orders (CTOs) under the 2003 Act. It also considers appeals against compulsory measures such as Short-Term Detention Certificates. You may be on an order which says that you must stay in hospital, you can only stay out of hospital on certain conditions, or you can be given treatment even if you do not want it. Your doctors, nurses, social workers and mental health officers should make sure you know about Independent Advocacy, and help you get it. Your Independent Advocacy Worker will ensure that your views are heard and considered at your Tribunal.
This is only a snapshot of the services that an Independent Advocacy Worker can offer you regarding Mental Health issues. There are many other ways in which you may receive support. Independent Advocacy is a service completely independent from any other service. Our loyalty is solely to the person that we are supporting and the service is of no charge to you.
If you have an issue that you want to discuss with an Independent Advocacy Worker to see if we can be of service, please contact us.
“I felt like I was a person that nobody cared about, but my Advocacy Worker strengthened my confidence.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“I never believed that they would listen to me or believe me, but with my Advocacy Worker there, I had a chance to speak and I felt strong that my voice was heard.”
Mental Health Service User“I nearly lost it during my DWP complaint interview, but my Advocacy Worker kept me calm and we got through it together., thank you.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“What a good job my Advocacy Worker did for me, as I could have never have gone through this support plan meeting alone.”
Mental Health Service“I was so scared to face my PIP Assessment alone, but with my Advocacy Worker there I felt supported and when I couldn’t think of the words or got confused (due to my stroke), my Advocate spoke up for me.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“When the social worker was asking questions about my past, I said just get them from my SW records. But when she said she couldn’t find them, I just freaked out. But you came along and challenged them, and I got all my records in a matter of a few weeks. Thank you so much.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“After a year of appeals and tribunals, I was finally received a back payment of almost £10,000 for my PIP and ESA. I had just given up. Now I can pay off my bills and move on. Words aren’t enough to show my thanks”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“Thank you very much for everything you are doing and have done to help me through all of this. I could not have managed without you.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“I am so glad you supported me. It was so hard to try and make SW understand what my issues were. Now, they are listening.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“I couldn’t explain how I was feeling as I was being rejected and treated unfairly. With Advocacy beside me, I was supported in my situation.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“Thanks for helping my son to have access to his children, as he could not have managed without your support.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“I could not have done this without you. I really, really, really appreciate it! I was ready for the tribunal because of your excellent work.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“Thank you very much for everything you are doing and have done to help me through all of this. I could not have managed without you.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service UserI was so pleased Advocacy arranged help with my electricity bill after I was furloughed. I really appreciate it.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“I felt despair, now I have hope for the future. Thank you.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“I don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t picked up the phone to you…..you’ve been brilliant. I honestly don’t think I could have coped without you.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“Thank you, just sat down and studied this, took a while but worth it; you’ve done an amazing job in addressing each detail. ….. Looking at your points noted, I feel it gives even more strength to our case.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User“Thank for contacting HR on my behalf, I could not have managed it myself.”
Mental Health Advocacy Service UserI don’t know what I would have done without your encouragement. I feel more empowered now that you are on my side. I think that you should be cloned and one of you put in every organisation in the Western Isles”
Mental Health Advocacy Service User