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How to find out more 

For more information about anything in this section, contact:

  • a member of NHS staff involved in your care
  • the NHS inform Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 (textphone 18001 0800 22 44 88; the helpline also provides an interpreting service), or

Information on the law and young people

For more information about how the law affects children and young people, contact:

  • The Scottish Child Law Centre
    54 East Crosscauseway
    Edinburgh EH8 9HD
    Information helpline 0131 667 6333
    Freephone number for under 18 0800 328 8970
    Free text enquiry service 80800 (text 'SCLC' followed by your question. Replies will be sent by text to your mobile phone).
    Email enquiries@sclc.org.uk
    Website www.sclc.org.uk

Information on the law and adults with incapacity or mental disorder

If you can't make decisions for yourself or can't tell other people your decisions, this is called 'incapacity'. The leaflet Caring and consent explains the rights of people who can't consent to medical treatment and the rights of their carers. For information about the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act, contact:

For more information about the rights of people with mental illness, learning disability, dementia or other mental disorder, contact:

  • The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. They can also give you information and advice on people's rights under the Adults with Incapacity Act.

    Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
    Thistle House
    91 Haymarket Terrace
    Edinburgh EH12 5HE
    Freephone number for service users and carers 0800 389 6809
    Email enquiries@mwcscot.org.uk
    Website: www.mwcscot.org.uk
  • The Scottish Government Health Directorates have produced a series of topic guides for people with a mental disorder and their carers. These include a guide on giving consent to treatment. If you would like a copy of these guides, contact:

    Mental Health Law Team
    Mental Health Division
    Scottish Government Health Directorates
    St Andrew's House, Regent Road
    Edinburgh EH1 3DG
    Phone 0131 244 2591
    Email: mentalhealthlaw@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
    Website www.scotland.gov.uk (follow the links to health and community care, improving health, mental health, mental health law and guidance).


Page last edited: 10 November 2010

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