DBS checks and your mental health

Explains what a DBS check is, and what you can do if you are unhappy with the information the police hold about you. This includes information about your mental health.

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Useful contacts

Mind's services

Mind's Legal Line provides legal information and general advice by phone.
Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.

How to find an advocate

To find advocacy services and groups in your area, you could call Mind's Legal Line on 0300 466 6463 or contact your local Mind.

If you're in hospital, you can also contact the:

Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) in England
Community Health Council in Wales

In some situations, you may be legally entitled to the support of an advocate. For more information, see our page on your legal rights to advocacy.

Other organisations

Disclosure and Barring Service

03000 200 190 (English)
03000 200 191 (Welsh)
03000 200 192 (Minicom)
gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service
The Disclosure and Barring Service is the public agency responsible for processing requests for criminal record checks. It runs a helpline for questions about DBS checks.

Law Society

lawsociety.org.uk
Professional association for solicitors in England and Wales. Includes a searchable directory of solicitors.

Unlock

01634 247 350
07824 113 848 (Text or WhatsApp)
unlock.org.uk
Unlock is a charity that supports people with convictions who face challenges because of their criminal record. It has online information resources and offers a helpline service.

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This information was published in December 2022. We will revise it in 2025.

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