Mental health advocacy has changed in many ways since the 2007 Mental Health Act introduced a statutory right for people who were subject to compulsion under the Act to be supported by an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA). Whilst this has raised the profile of mental health advocacy, it has also created a number of challenges for IMHA's and other advocates working with people with mental health difficulties.

The conference will bring together a number of interlocking strands that will equip mental health advocates to provide better advocacy provision and practice, by being brought up-to-date with the latest developments in mental health advocacy.

Aims of the conference
The aim of this conference is to address some of the challenges faced by IMHA's and to provide information on some of the topical issues that mental health advocates will need to be aware of and supporting advocacy partners with.

The conference aims to:

• inform delegates on how the Care Quality Commission is meeting its mental health remit
• bring delegates up to date with the latest developments in how the personalization agenda is being introduced for people with mental health difficulties
• show what is being done to address the stigma of mental health
• explain the interface between the Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act
• demonstrate the latest thinking with regards  non-instructed advocacy, particularly in relation to  working with people with dementia
• explore the usage of different types of psychiatric treatment.

Key themes

• Improving advocacy practice
• Exploring topical issues
• Seeking to ensure quality performance
• Showing how advocacy can make a difference

Full details, programme and booking form are on the Pavillion website here

The National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU) is the agency charged with supporting the implementation of mental health policy in England by the Department of Health in collaboration with the NHS, Local Authorities and other major stakeholders.