We protect and promote the human rights

of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions.

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Latest news

5 Nov, 2026

Professor Jill Stavert appointed as executive director (legal and policy)

5 Nov, 2026

Shaping mental health reform together: the Commission’s call for collaborative push

28 Oct, 2026

Mental Welfare Commission recommends urgent action to reduce and eliminate routine daytime confinement at State Hospital

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Who we are and what we do

The Commission was originally set up in 1960 under the Mental Health Act. Our duties are set out in current mental health and incapacity law.

Good practice

The best care and treatment of people with mental illness, learning disability, dementia and related conditions is not always straight forward. Every individual and every situation is different.We wor ...

About us

Our mission is to be a leading and independent voice in promoting a society where people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions are treated fairly, have their righ ...

Rights in Mind

This pathway is designed to help staff in mental health services ensure that patients have their human rights respected at key points in their treatment.

Local visit reports

We carry out local visits to people who are being treated or cared for in local services, such as a particular hospital ward, a local care home, local supported accommodation, the State Hospital or a ...

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Professional

This section takes you directly to the content we think is of most use to medical, nursing, social work and other professionals working for people with mental illness, learning disability, dementia or related conditions.

Find out about notifying the Commission here.

Law and Rights Guidance & advice MHA and AWI forms

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Personal

This section takes you directly to the content we think is most helpful for people with their own lived experience and for relatives/friends or other carers.

Getting treatment Your rights Common conditions

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