Implementing the amended Mental Health Act

This is the microsite for CSIP/NIMHE's implementation programme for the forthcoming changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 in England.

We have been tasked by the Department of Health to have a key role in:

• informing those involved in mental health care of the proposed changes and the impact they may have
• supporting implementation by service providers, directly and by signposting sources of information
• and providing opportunties to influence national policy

The Mental Health Act 2007 received Royal Assent on 19 July 2007 and can be downloaded here. Commencement No. 1 Order 2007, concerning provisions around NHS Foundation Trusts came into force on 24 July 2007. The assumption for the final implementation of the amendments is October 2008.

The programme has five key workstreams: Training, Workforce, Advocacy, Administration and Supervised Community Treatment. These underpin the eight regional leads, who are the first point of contact for their localities.

It is intended that this site will build into a valuable portal for everyone involved in implementing the amendments. Please check back regularly for updates and new resources. If you have feedback about the site, please contact the Editor, Mark Drury.