The National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU) AND Voice are delivering a four-day training workshop for Independent Mental Health Advocates who work with children and young people.  The programme will look at the role of IMHAs in the context of working with children and young people and prepare participants for the specialist module of the National Qualificaction for IMHAs

From April 2009, Independent Mental Health Advocacy Services provide an additional safeguard for patients who are subject to the Act.  Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs) are specialist advocates who will be trained specifically to work within the framework of the Act to meet the needs of patients.

This training programme will raise awareness of the IMHA role and how IMHAs will interface with other mental health staff, particularly on sensitive topics such as decision-making meetings, challenges and opportunities, which may be made to services to secure patients' rights.

At the end of the programme, participants will have developed a good understanding of the role and a framework for the individual professional portfolio required for the National Advocacy qualification.

The programme is only open to existing advocates who have experience of either working with children and young people, or in the IMHA role.

Click here to download a booking form.