“There was a gap between the statement of rights and responsibilities that was available to me as a Nearest Relative, and what I needed to know to act effectively.” (Nearest Relative)
If my partner was detained in hospital by the state in England or Wales because of a mental health crisis, I could legally be their Nearest Relative under the Mental Health Act. My Dad could be Nearest Relative for my Mum. My brother for his 18-year old son. My Mum for my Aunt.
None of us has had training or education about this. It would happen instantly, giving us a legal role and rights that make a huge difference to the person who is unwell.
I am part of a team working with Nearest Relatives, social workers, advisors and Mind to make this experience less scary and to enable Nearest Relatives to feel less in the dark about what to do.
The experience of a gulf between having the legal role and knowing what to do in that role is common to Nearest Relatives. As well as the complexity of law, people are in a highly emotional situation. Although information is given, it is a difficult time to take things in and there is limited support.
The University of Bristol’s research and follow up work with Nearest Relatives has identified the messages, information and tools that would help shine a light in this situation. We are now working on a web resource that will become a trusted go-to place for Nearest Relatives. It will cover:
· What the law says;
· Why being a Nearest Relative is different from other roles, such as carer or next of kin;
· How the mental health system works and who’s who;
· The impact of the role, and how to look after yourself and seek support.
There will be practical tools including information sheets for Nearest Relatives and for staff working in hospitals, guidance on confidentiality and information sharing, a template for complaints, and advice from other Nearest Relatives on managing the impact of the role.
There will be short films to share experience and provide insight. And there will be signposting to helpful resources about the Mental Health Act.
These resources will be developed over the coming months with an aim to having the site up and running in late 2025. It can then be adapted and evolve as the Mental Health Act is updated.
Nearest Relatives and those who support them have said currently ‘the information is not good enough.’ We are determined to change this so that becoming a Nearest Relative is no longer a leap in the dark but instead is an illuminated path.
To find out more about the project, visit our website or contact us.
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