Health and social work services

Tender description

Aberdeen City Council requires the provision of a Representation and Advocacy Service for adults resident, or ordinarily resident, in Aberdeen City to support its statutory (legislative) requirements outlined in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. Under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 anyone with a mental disorder has the right to access an independent advocate. The definition of ‘mental disorder’ in the Act includes: — mental illness, — dementia, — learning disability, — autism, — personality disorder. Section 6 of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 places a duty on the Council, if it considers that it needs to intervene in order to protect the adult at risk of harm, to consider the provision of appropriate services, including independent advocacy services, to the adult concerned, after making enquiries under Section 4 of the Act. The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 Section 259 states “That every person with a mental disorder shall have a right of access to independent advocacy.” It contains a duty on both local authorities and each Health Board area in collaboration to ensure that Service Users have access to advocacy services. It is under this duty that Aberdeen City Council and NHSG are re-tendering for the provision of an Independent Advocacy service. The service is required to support people living in Aberdeen City and using or requiring services to express their views and to speak on their behalf where required. The service will also promote empowerment, protection and inclusion. Under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 mental disorder means any — mental illness, — learning disability, — personality disorder.