The Mental Capacity Act Explained, UK

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Autism;  ADHD
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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A clear and easy to understand DVD guide to The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, has been produced by national charity for people with learning disabilities, HFT, for the Department of Health and Social Care Institute for Excellence, as part of a programme of work on implementing the MCA 2005.

Featuring electronic video clips and animation with the familiar voice of popular actor and HFT Patron, Martin Clunes, the DVD is designed to help people with learning disabilities, their families, carers and professional staff, to understand the basis principles of the Mental Capacity Act.

It is divided into four sections which include an introduction from the chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence, Julie Jones; an animated section of four stories for people with learning disabilities; a wider ranging section explaining the act in a little more detail for families, carers and staff, and an interview about the MCA with Professor Tony Holland, health foundation chair in learning disabilities at Cambridge University.

The DVD has been praised for its tone and simplicity; the animation and the simple language make it really easy to get the gist of the basics around MCA and the familiar voice of Martin Clunes adds weight and credibility.

The first 1,000 copies of the DVD are available free of charge from HFT. Anyone interested in receiving a copy please email charlotte.cooper@hft.org.uk

HFT

Previously known as The Home Farm Trust, HFT is a registered national charity for adults with a learning disability.

HFT provides services for over 1,000 people in supported living, registered care homes, advocacy, supported employment and day services.

The charity also runs a Family Carer Support Service (FCSS) which provides support each year for 4,000 family carers of adults with learning disabilities.

HFT