For the first time in England and Wales, patients subject to certain aspects of the mental health act will have access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA).

Advocacy means many things to different people. This film features the perceptions of people drawn from the voluntary and statutory services about independent advocacy.

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.