Depending upon which statistics you look at mental illness will affect either 1 in 3 people or 1 in 4 people at some point in their lifetime.

Mental illness is not always obvious and can take the form of mild depression. For many people it is not necessary to seek legal advice, but for those who suffer from severe mental illness, which in some cases results in their losing their liberty, being detained compulsorily and being treated in hopsital, good legal advice may be crucial.

For clients who are compulsorily detained (this is sometimes referred to as "being sectioned") there are limits as to decisions which they can take. Once in hospital under "section" patients have their rights taken away from them. At this time a Responsible Medical Officer (RMO) is appointed to the patient and it is the RMO who makes decisions for them.

As a detained patient you have a legal right to appeal to the Mental Health Review Tribunal for your discharge. Solicitors normally become involved when matters have reached this point and it is our job to ensure that the rights of the client patient are not breached. Free Legal Aid is available to cover the cost of representation at these Tribunals.

Whether you are the client patient, a relative or a nearest friend and need advice, we can help you.

For further information contact Samantha Hosken.