Nearest Relatives Resources - empowering relatives in the mental health system | BASW England Mental Health Group Lunchtime Session

to 1:30pm
About this event

This session will outline research findings on the experiences of AMHPs and Nearest Relatives of the Mental Health Act and share details of a new and free online resource for Nearest Relatives about their role in the Act. The research identified the challenges faced by carers/family members when they are a Nearest Relative, and the lack of information and support that is available to them about the role. The research led to a UKRI funded project, working with Nearest Relatives to co-create a website with online resources about the role, including tools and leaflets, as well as sources of support and self care. The website will be updated for the Nominated Person role when the new Mental Health Act comes into effect later in 2026/early 2027. We will consider the main legal changes in this area and how the resources will be updated to reflect them.

Speakers

Professor Judy Laing, University of Bristol Law School 

Judy teaches and researches mental health law and policy at the University of Bristol, with a particular focus on the intersection between mental health law and human rights. She has a long standing interest in this field and has published extensively on aspects of mental health law in leading journals, books and edited collections.  She carried out a Parliamentary academic fellowship from 2020-2022 in the House of Common Library and produced briefings on mental health law reform, mental health policy and the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019. She is leading on the Nearest Relative Resources project and working alongside an inter- disciplinary team, including Nearest Relatives, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness,  AMHP leads from Bristol City Council, social work academics and advisers. 

Geraldine Nosowska, Effective practice

I am an independent social worker and a member of BASW. I set up Effective Practice in 2013. I offer a range of support to improve the experiences and outcomes of people, who are in need of care and support. I carry out research and evaluation, develop strategy, create practice guidance and policies, and develop and deliver learning events

Dr Kevin Stone, University of South Wales  

Prof. (Dr) Kev Stone is currently the Associate Dean for Partnerships and Business Development (Health and Social Care) at the University of South Wales, and Visiting Professor of Social Work and Mental Health Law at Leeds Beckett University. Kevin is a registered social worker and remains in practice on a very part-time basis as an Approved Mental Health Professional. Kevin has published and presented widely in the field of mental health law (domestic and international), focusing on human rights, the socio-legal impact of mental health legislation on families and carers, the mutli-professional AMHP role as well as considering mental health social work practice across Europe. He is co-author of the Approved Mental Health Professional and Best Interest Assessor Practice Handbooks and forthcoming text Social Work in Mental Health Settings International Perspectives on Practice.