What are your rights under the Mental Health Act, 2001?

When people with mental health difficulties are admitted to mental health units, either on a voluntary or involuntary basis, it is vital that user-friendly, accessible, information is available regarding human rights. Access to this information is essential for people with mental health difficulties, their family members, advocates, supporters and carers.

The Mental Health Act, 2001 Toolkit is available on the Mental Health Reform website here.

• The Mental Health Act, 2001 governs rights of people with mental health difficulties in mental health units or approved centres.
• When people with mental health difficulties are admitted to mental health units, either on a voluntary or involuntary basis, it is vital that user-friendly, accessible, information is available regarding human rights.
• Access to this information is essential for people with mental health difficulties, their family members, advocates, supporters and carers.
• The Mental Health Act, 2001 Toolkit is a vital means of empowerment, enabling people to become educated about their rights, so that they can exercise and claim those rights.

The Toolkit includes information on topics such as the following: 

• What are the main human rights in Mental Health law? 
• What is the Mental Health Act? 
• Can I make an Advance Healthcare Directive? 
• The Role and Rights of my Supporters / Family / Carers
• Approved Centres and What to Expect 
• My Rights as a ‘Voluntary Patient’
• My Rights as an ‘Involuntary Patient’
• Mental Health Tribunals Explained
• Complaints, Advocacy and Activism

What are the benefits of the Toolkit?

• Learn about the Mental Health Act, 2001
• Find out about your rights when admitted to mental health units
• User-friendly and easy to read 
• Includes links to other resources
• Information for family members, supporters and friends
• Links to advocacy services
• Helpful definitions of legal terms
• Provides information on the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The School of Law, University College Cork, developed the Mental Health Act, 2001 Toolkit in partnership with Mental Health Reform.

The Mental Health Act, 2001 Toolkit is available on the Mental Health Reform website here.