Problems accessing help
Persistence is important when seeking help. Try each of the suggestions for help, and in many instances you may need to try them several times. If you are still denied help or the help you receive is inadequate you can threaten to make a formal complaint.
All doctors, hospitals and mental health services have a complaints procedure.
If you require advice on making a complaint, contact the Rethink Advice and Information Service. If your requests for help have not led to appropriate help and support being provided, then another option may be to speak to a community care solicitor. A solicitor could advise if there are any legal remedies to the situation. To look for a community care solicitor, you can search on the Community Legal Advice website or contact the Community Legal Advice line on 0845 345 4 345 (open Monday to Friday (9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 12.30pm). The Rethink Advice & Information Service can also help to look for a community care solicitor in your area.
If you are offered help but you find that the help is insufficient and you are still experiencing a crisis situation due to someone’s mental health problems, it is important that you ask for help again.
Take the time to note down why the help that has been offered is insufficient and what you want to happen. Occasionally you may be given unhelpful advice from a professional who might refuse to help arguing that the problems are behavioural or that no help is available until there is more of a crisis.
It is important to seek help and support despite comments such as these if you are having difficulties. Carer advocates can be a helpful source of advice and support in getting the services you need for someone. The Rethink Advice and Information Service can help you search for a local carers advocate and/or offer you further advice.
