University of Bristol Launches Online Support Resources for Families Navigating Mental Health Detention Laws

Judy Laing, Professor of Mental Health Law, Rights and Policy at the University of Bristol, alongside a screen showing the new Resources for Nearest Relatives website.

(IN BRIEF) The University of Bristol has launched new online resources designed to support families acting as “Nearest Relatives” for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. Developed over nearly a decade with funding from UK Research and Innovation, the initiative brings together carers, researchers and mental health organisations to provide practical guidance on legal rights, advocacy and self-care. The resources arrive as reforms to the Mental Health Act will soon replace the Nearest Relative role with a Nominated Person chosen by the patient. Created in collaboration with organisations including Mind and Rethink Mental Illness Carers Service, the materials aim to help families navigate the mental health system more confidently and ensure better support for those advocating for loved ones receiving psychiatric care.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 5-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Bristol has launched a new set of online resources designed to help families navigate the complex mental health system when a loved one is detained for psychiatric treatment under the Mental Health Act. The initiative, developed over nearly a decade, focuses on supporting individuals who take on the legal role of a “Nearest Relative,” a position often held by family members responsible for safeguarding the rights of patients receiving involuntary treatment.

The project was developed in collaboration with carers who have direct experience of supporting relatives in psychiatric care. Among them is Hannah, a London-based mother who has spent more than 15 years advocating for better mental health support for her son. Her personal experience navigating the system helped shape the development of the resources.

The initiative began when three researchers in southwest England sought to better understand the lived experiences of Nearest Relatives. Early findings revealed that many families felt overwhelmed and under-supported when trying to understand their rights and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act.

What started as voluntary research and community engagement gradually evolved into a larger project supported by funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The initiative brought together researchers, mental health professionals, charities and carers to design tools that could offer clear guidance and emotional support for families facing difficult situations.

The result is a set of free online resources that provide practical information about the legal rights and responsibilities of Nearest Relatives. The materials include explanations of how the role works, guidance on how to exercise related powers effectively and advice on self-care for carers dealing with the stress and emotional challenges of supporting someone in psychiatric care.

The timing of the resource launch is particularly significant as reforms to the Mental Health Act will soon replace the “Nearest Relative” role with a new “Nominated Person” designation. Under the revised system, individuals receiving mental health treatment will be able to choose a trusted person from their support network to represent their interests, rather than having a family member automatically assigned.

Hannah believes the change is positive but stresses that carers will still need substantial support to navigate the system and advocate effectively for loved ones receiving treatment. Nearest Relatives currently have several legal powers, including requesting a mental health assessment, being informed if a patient is detained, objecting to certain types of detention and applying for discharge in specific circumstances.

Reflecting on her experience, Hannah described how difficult it can be to navigate the mental health system, even for someone with professional experience supporting vulnerable individuals and families. She hopes the new resources will provide practical guidance and reassurance to others facing similar challenges.

The project also highlights broader systemic issues within mental health services, including shortages of hospital beds and the complex procedures families must navigate when seeking care and support.

Partnerships have played a central role in the initiative’s development. Organisations involved in the project include the mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness Carers Service in Bristol, Bristol City Council and several academic institutions.

The research and resource development team included Professor Judy Laing from the University of Bristol, Dr Jeremy Dixon from Cardiff University, Dr Kevin Stone from the University of South Wales and Dr Harry Bark from the University of Bath.

The resources were designed using trauma-informed language and aim to reflect cultural diversity and inclusivity. They also feature personal stories from carers who share their experiences, advice and encouragement for others navigating similar situations.

One contributor, JJ from Bristol, has supported a family member with long-term mental health needs for many years and now works with other carers through the Rethink Mental Illness Carers Service. He emphasized the importance of hope and peer support for families facing the challenges of mental health care.

Professor Judy Laing, a specialist in mental health law and policy at the University of Bristol, led the project. She explained that the resources were co-created with individuals who have direct experience of the Nearest Relative role, ensuring that the information reflects real-life challenges and practical needs.

Future plans for the project include expanding the resources into easy-to-read formats and translating them into Welsh, as well as updating the materials to reflect the transition to the Nominated Person role.

Emma Mack, Head of Legal at the mental health charity Mind, highlighted the importance of helping families understand their legal rights and responsibilities during periods of crisis.

The initiative demonstrates how collaboration between researchers, charities, carers and public institutions can translate social and legal research into practical tools that support people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Media Contact:

Email: press-office@bristol.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 428 2489

SOURCE: University of Bristol