Explains the rights that you have if you are sectioned and detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983.
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To find advocacy services and groups in your area, you could call Mind's Legal Line or contact your local Mind.
If you're in hospital, you can also contact:
In some circumstances, you may be legally entitled to get the support of an advocate. See our page on your legal rights to advocacy for more information.
cqc.org.uk
Regulates and inspects health and social care services in England.
0800 144 8848 (England Adviceline)
0800 702 2020 (Wales Adviceline)
0800 144 8884 (Relay UK, textphone)
citizensadvice.org.uk
Free, confidential information and advice on your rights, including money, housing, legal and other problems.
gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency
Maintains registers of drivers and vehicles.
gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-mental-health
Deals with cases in England relating to the Mental Health Act 1983.
hiw.org.uk
Independent regulator for healthcare in Wales, where you can make complaints and provide feedback.
lawsociety.org.uk
Professional association for solicitors in England and Wales. Includes a searchable directory of solicitors.
mhla.co.uk
Professional association for solicitors specialising in mental health law. Includes a list of solicitors by local area.
mentalhealthreviewtribunal.gov.wales
Deals with cases in Wales relating to the Mental Health Act 1983.
020 7407 0747
revolving-doors.org.uk
Supports people with mental health problems who have had contact with the criminal justice system.
This information was published in July 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.