Claire’s story – Moray.
“I felt hopeless. No-one really cared. So I was hospitalised for 10 days against my wishes. I was unsure whether to accept a short-term detention certificate.”
Claire was introduced to Circles Network by her Mental Health Officer.
She received support so that she could understand the mental health tribunal procedure and whether or not she had valid grounds on which to contest her short-term detention certificate. With access to information, she soon felt that she had a better understanding of the procedure and declared that she wanted to contest the Section 44.
Through the advocacy process, Claire asked her advocate to contact a mental health solicitor she had chosen from the Circles Network list. Once briefed, plans were made with the solicitor to complete an application to revoke the certification which was submitted to the tribunal.
Claire’s statement of views was also collected by the advocate before the tribunal and Circles Network contact details were left with her, so she knew exactly who to contact if she needed any further support.
She shared, “Circles Network gave me a safe space to tell my story. I felt reassured. The advocate helped to explain the process and armed with a clear understanding, I felt empowered to contest.”
