How mental health assessments are carried out

An awareness event, which covered the Mental Health Act 1983 and how assessments are carried out as part of the Mental Health Act, was held on Wedensday.

A diverse range of people from services across Rochdale and Greater Manchester attended the event at Apna Ghar, organised by The Centre of Wellbeing, Training & Culture (CWTC).

The speakers included, Mohammed Sarwar, who did a presentation on the Mental Health Act 1983 legislation and information to prepare the public in both English and Urdu.

Javed Rehman, a patient representative, shared his experiences with Mental Health and how Mental Health services could be improved. His talk highlighted the need for more timely service and diagnosis and a greater understanding of the cultural needs of service users.

Zahida Abbas, Solace counselling and Training Services, went over the five key principles of the Mental Capacity Act and identified the differences between voluntary and involuntary patients.

Doctor Saeed discussed what physical and mental wellbeing mean, and some of the common reasons and symptoms associated with mental illness.

Inspector Andrew Fern from GM Police, who discussed how the police deal with people with mental health conditions and what an individual’s rights are under sections.

Nicola Schellard & Steven Warburton, statutory advocates for Rochdale Advocacy, together discussed the role of independent Mental Health Advocates in social care, what the referral process looks like and how people can access support.

Liz Butler, co-production manager for Making Space, said: “There was an excellent mix of presentations and I was pleased the diverse community came to the event. The event was a good example of community engagement.”

Lauren White, Community Assets Strategy & Performance Officer for HMR CCG, said: “This was a well organised event which provided a good foundation for awareness of the Mental Health Act for diverse communities and how services can support each other.

"The translation of the event’s information is proving to be extremely useful in engaging the South-Asian community.”

Mohammed Sarwar from CWTC said: “The event highlighted the need for further training of the MHA, even with those who are still using the code of practice.

"It was also evident that the South Asian people are totally unaware of the Act and how it works. There was a general consensus that we all have to work as a society to deal with growing issues around mental health.

"There will be further sessions organised from the feedback and we look forward to working together.”