Civil » Mental Health

Experiencing more wrongs than rights? We’re here and we
can help.

Mental health issues are hugely traumatic for both sufferers and their relatives. Unlike the sick or the elderly, it’s not just about care provision and getting the practical and financial support they need – it’s about basic civil liberties. If you are detained under the Mental Health Act, then you and your family should seek specialist help to ensure your rights are upheld. Professional legal advice isn’t a cure for all ills, but it’s a great protection for the vulnerable.

How we can help

Howells has a long and proud tradition in mental health law, preserving and exercising the rights of those who have to contend with a loss of liberty as well as the impact of their illness. Clients don’t need to fear any stigma or second-class treatment – we’re absolutely committed to supporting you through and beyond detention, and remaining close by as you re-enter the community.

We can help with:

  • Representing patients and nearest relatives at Mental Health Review Tribunals or a Hospital Manager’s Hearing
  • Advising on all types of sections, including civil detention, criminal detention, and those who are conditionally discharged
  • Advising on rights in and out of hospital
  • Advising on rights of nearest relatives
  • Advising patients and families in respect of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS)
  • Requesting Judicial Review of decisions made by the Mental Health Review Tribunal
  • Representing patients and/or relatives in inquiries concerning care failings

We appreciate that worry about costs can be the biggest barrier to getting professional help – don’t let it stop you. We are one of the few firms in the region who can offer public funding (commonly known as Legal Aid) in this area – anyone who has been detained under the Mental Health Act is entitled to free assistance, and relatives of those detailed may also be eligible for help.

Our aims

  • To ensure clients who are deprived of their liberty are not also deprived of their human rights
  • To ensure clients feel properly supported and effectively represented at all times
  • To use the full force of the law to protect you and your family at all times
  • To communicate regularly, openly and sensitively and always be ready to listen
  • To clearly explain funding options such as Legal Aid and make the quality advice you need accessible and affordable
  • To use other expert teams within the firm such as human rights, welfare benefits, housing, etc to provide an all-round service

Our team

Our Mental Health team is headed up by the experienced and determined Peter Moxley. He leads a group that believes passionately in Howells’ core philosophy – that everyone should have equal access to the best legal advice. If you need their help, then they’re here for you.

Professionally, these are highly expert, very smart and sharp lawyers who want to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Personally, they are down to earth, friendly and approachable people whom you can talk to and confide in. They’ve seen and heard most things and understand the often devastating consequences of mental health issues on lives and relationships.  They will listen and encourage and then use their technical skills to translate everything that they’ve heard and felt into positive action for you.