Mental health advocates

Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCA) 

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 created a new service, the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service.

The aim of the IMCA service is to provide independent safeguards for people who lack capacity and have no one else (other than paid staff) to support or represent them or be consulted with to make important decisions about either:

  • Serious medical treatment
  • Long term move (a stay in a care home of more than 8 weeks or a stay in a hospital for more than 28 days)

An IMCA may also be considered for decisions regarding:

  • A review of care or accommodation
  • Safeguarding Adult proceedings, where the person is a victim or alleged perpetrator, regardless of family or friend involvement

What does the IMCA service do?

  • Support and represent the person in the decision making process
  • Try to work out what the person would choose if they were able to make the decision themselves
  • Speak up for a person in talks and meetings where decisions are being made
  • Consult with others in the person’s life including medical staff
  • Look at alternative course of action (least restrictive option)
  • Ensure the decision complies with the MCA and it is in the persons best interest
  • Prepare a report (decision maker has a legal duty to consider this)
  • Challenge the decision (including capacity) if necessary

Oldham IMCA services

The Oldham IMCA service is delivered by VoiceAbility.

Make a referral

If you have questions about eligibility or advocacy types, contact us.

Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA)

Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs) support people with issues relating to their care and treatment when they have been detained (sectioned) under the Mental Health Act.

They also help people understand their rights under the Mental Health Act.

Further information on this service can be found at the IMHA website

Learning disability and autism advocacy

VoiceAbility is your adult advocacy provider in Oldham.

VoiceAbility supports people to be heard when it matters most.

They’ve been supporting people to be heard in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years.

They’re an independent charity and one of the largest providers of advocacy and involvement services in the UK.

In Oldham, they offer the following types of advocacy support for adults:

  •  Independent Mental Health Advocacy
  • Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy
  • Learning Disability and Autism Advocacy
  •  Relevant Person Representative
  •  Care Act

Our advocates help people with all sorts of different problems including:

  • Money
  • Care and support plans
  • Parenting
  • Work, volunteering and learning
  • Relationships
  • Where to live and housing
  • Making complaints.
  • Who can use our service?

Anybody can make a referral, this can be health and social care professionals, family members, the police, teachers, people who work in housing or employment services and you can refer yourself for our service.

If you have any questions you can get in touch by:

  • visiting their website at www.voiceability.org
  • calling them on 0300 303 1660 (calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK)

Care Act Advocacy

Independent Care Act advocates support people to understand their rights under the Care Act and to be fully involved in decisions about any care and support they need.

This includes local authority assessments, care reviews, care and support planning, and safeguarding processes.

Further information on this service can be found on the Voiceability website:

The service is provided by VoiceAbility.

Make a referral

  • Phone: - 0300 303 1660 Open 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday (outside these hours voicemail)
  • Website Referral Form

If you are unsure if you qualify for an advocate, you can:

  • Phone: - 0300 303 1660 Open 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday (outside these hours voicemail)
  • Webchat - click on “Chat with an Advocate”