Advance statements

''Writing an advance statement has made me feel that I have taken control of my care and treatment.  I feel more empowered and the whole process has given me an opportunity to think through my mental health history and what works for me.'' Read more about why this service user decided to make an advance statement...

Below are advance statements that have been shared with us by service users.  They could be used as examples of what can be included in a statement and may be useful for anyone planning to make their own statement.

• CAPS advocacy , in association with Advocard  have developed an advance statement form to help people structure their own advance statement.
• Lanarkshire statutory mental health service providers have also produced procedures guidance for staff to support patients in procedures guidance on advance statements and named persons for staff.

 The Mental Welfare Commission have published a report on the use of advance statements by people on compulsory treatment orders.  The report is based on visits to patients in October and November 2006, one year on from the implementation of the mental health Act and 18 months on from the introduction of advance statements.