Agencies raise awareness of the Mental Capacity Act

Posted on 9th February, 2016

Care agencies are raising awareness of the Mental Capacity Act, following concerns highlighted by a House of Lords' select committee that too few people are aware of it or understand it. The concern, held too by professionals in Devon, is that the Act, which provides protection to people who are unable to make their own decisions, isn’t recognised widely enough by the public or indeed by many in the care profession. Devon and Torbay’s Safeguarding Adults Boards are planning a week of activity to tell people about the Act.

New films about the Mental Capacity Act

Nine short films have been launched with the aim of informing the public about the Act. The films break down the Act into small, easily digestible, clips and are available to watch here   Nick Rudling, Chairman of the Mental Capacity Act sub group for the Devon and Torbay Safeguarding Adults Boards, says: “There’s an estimated two million people in England and Wales who may lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, for whom the Mental Capacity Act is relevant. This could be due to dementia, learning disability, brain injury, mental health condition, a stroke, unconsciousness caused by an anaesthetic or sudden accident, or a temporary loss of capacity caused by alcohol or drugs.  “To help people understand it, we’ve produced nine short films that explain it all in its simplest form, so that everyone can find out what the Act is and how it can help them.  “Practice across Devon and Torbay is first rate, but it is recognised that awareness of the Act by professionals generally could be better.  “I would like to encourage people across Devon and Torbay to have a look at the short films, and to share them with their family and friends.”