Sectioning

Explains the rights that you have if you are sectioned and detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Useful contacts

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.

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:

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.

cqc.org.uk
Regulates and inspects health and social care services in England.

0800 144 8848 (England Adviceline)
0800 702 2020 (Wales Adviceline)
18001 0800 144 8884 (textphone)
citizensadvice.org.uk
Free, confidential information and advice on your rights, including money, housing, experiences of discrimination and other problems.

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.

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This information was published in July 2020. We will revise it in 2023.

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