The Mental Health Act (1983) is the law that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health illness. The government are planning to make key changes to the Mental Health Act and a public consultation on these proposed changes is currently open.
The ‘Reforming the MHA’ White Paper sets out the government’s proposals to reform mental health legislation and it includes:
-New guiding principles
-Clearer, stronger detention criteria
-Giving patients more rights to challenge detention
-Strengthening the patient’s right to choose and refuse treatment
-Changes to Community Treatment Orders (CTOs)
-The experiences of people from BAME communities
Following consultation, the government plans to draft a revised Mental Health Bill and eventually a new Act.
Join us on Tuesday 30 March, 1.30pm – 3.00pm, where you will have an opportunity to share your views and have your questions answered in relation to the proposed changes. To register your interest, please go to https://mental_health_act_have_your_say.eventbrite.co.uk.
If you are unable to attend, but would still like to give your views on the proposed changes to the Mental Health Act, please email bchft.communications@nhs.net before 4 April 2021.