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A-Z of Mental Health
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Active Lifestyle Scheme/GP Referral Scheme
A scheme that aims to help people improve their physical and mental well-being by offering those who currently do little or no activity a chance to participate in regular physical activity under the guidance of trained instructors and at a reduced rate. Activities can include exercise to music, aquaerobics, fitness suite/gym, walking and chair-based exercise.
Access: Visit your GP, Practice Nurse or other health care professional to check on eligibility and referral to a local co-ordinator.
Adult Mental Health Inpatient Reprovision Project (AMHIRP)
Local project led by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust looking at how many hospital beds Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland need, and where they should be sited. Details on progress are given through a newsletter.
Adult Mental Health Partnership Board (AMHPB)
The old name for the main joint planning group across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It is now called the Local Implementation Team (LIT).
Advance Directives/Advance Decisions
Also known as a ‘living will’ or an ‘Advance Decision’. This is a way of making a person’s views known should they become mentally incapable of giving consent to treatment, or making informed choices about treatment, including refusal to treatment, at some future time. Before an advance directive becomes valid certain conditions need to be satisfied and there are some limits to what a person can direct. Advance Decisions are covered by the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and do not apply to treatment considered necessary to sustain life by a doctor. The Advance Decision must be made in writing and be signed and witnessed and there must be a statement that the decision stands “even if life is at risk”. Mind has produced a legal briefing on Advance Directives.
Access: Seek the support of an Advocate
Advocate / Advocacy
An advocate is someone who represents carers or service users interests and who speaks on their behalf. Advocacy is the process of empowering people by enabling them to express their personal views and needs, secure relevant information and knowledge, and thereby make informed choices and achieve their rights and entitlements. There are many forms of advocacy in mental health.
Access: Search LAMP Directory for advocacy services
Approved Social Worker
An Approved Social Worker (ASW) carries out a specialised assessment of a persons social needs and whether they would benefit from admission to hospital under the Mental Health Act. Such assessments must be done jointly with medical professionals. If the outcome of the assessment is a recommendation for compulsory hospital admission, the ASW can make an application for this. The ASW also has a duty to inform the nearest relative. See also Social Worker.
Assertive Outreach
A multi-disciplinary team that works intensively alongside individuals who have had recurring relapses of severe mental distress, with two or more admissions to hospital in the preceding 12 months, or those identified as having complex needs. Offers support, practical help and advice, assessments and treatment plans.
Access: Via Community Mental Health Teams