Mental Health Officer Service
Mental Health Officers (MHO) are specially trained Social Workers who support people with mental health problems who sometimes have difficulty in recognising that they might benefit from treatment. MHOs inform people affected by mental health law about their rights and make sure people get the care they need. This includes helping people to access an Independent Advocate (https://advocacywi.co.uk/ (Opens in a new window or downloads a file))
The MHO Service is mostly used by Doctors (GP’s and Psychiatrists) seeking consent for the detention of people under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. (Opens in a new window or downloads a file)
Because all MHOs are Social Workers they can provide other services for the people they support. This can include advice about accommodation, support, welfare benefits, employment and leisure options. MHOs also act as a resource for Social Work colleagues, voluntary organisations and other projects, offering information, advice and guidance on mental health issues.
MHOs are based in the two Community Care Teams within the Western Isles.
| Team | Telephone |
|---|---|
| Lewis and Harris Team | Lewis office 01851 822708 |
| Uist and Barra Team |
Uist office 01870 604984 |
Under Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) and Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (Opens in a new window or downloads a file), MHOs also perform many of the legal duties of Western Isles Council.
Mental Health Services in the Western Isles
If you think you need access to a Mental Health Professional then contact NHS Western Isles: