The independent review of the Mental Health Act published its interim report in May, which set out its priority themes for further work. The review is now developing its draft recommendations for the government, regarding how the Mental Health Act and associated practice should change.

The review will be running three workshops during August to engage with mixed audiences on potential options for change, and of what they might result in for service users and professionals. The feedback gathered from attendees will help inform the review’s final recommendations that will be published later in the year.

Break-out sessions will provide opportunity for more in-depth discussion on particular themes, and further details on those will be sent to attendees nearer the time of the events.

The review’s aim is to bring together interested parties of all types, but we are particularly committed to capturing the views and expertise of service users, carers and professionals with direct experience of the Mental Health Act.

The workshops follow an extensive engagement process carried out by the review, earlier this year, to identify priority areas to focus on. If you have been unsuccessful in obtaining a place at a workshop and would like to join the waiting list, please email MHActReview@dh.gsi.gov.uk

Useful information:

• Registration will open at 10am and the event will begin at 10.30am
  
• All three events are taking place in central city locations, easily accessible from mainline train stations
  
• Reasonable expenses and adjustments can be provided for those attending in a service user or carer capacity
  
• Light refreshments will be provided
• The other August events will take place in London on 13th August and in Liverpool on 15th August
• We anticipate there will also be further opportunities to engage with the review prior to its conclusion. If you would like to find out more about those opportunities, please email MHActReview@dh.gsi.gov.uk