If you have been detained in hospital for treatment, this is because:

• you were showing signs of mental distress and your mental health was in crisis;
• your health was at risk
• your safety, or the safety of others, was at risk;
• you needed support and treatment to get better and be safe, and it was best for you to be in hospital at this time; and
• you did not agree to come into hospital of your own free will as a voluntary patient.
  
  

When does section 117 begin?

Section 117 aftercare only begins when you leave hospital, but you must get an assessment of your support needs that are linked to your mental health before you leave the hospital. The assessment will involve your social care worker and those looking after you in hospital.

Section 117 aftercare exists to help reduce the risk of you becoming unwell again and possibly needing to go back into a mental health hospital.

We will work with the NHS to agree a section 117 plan with you. The plan will focus on what you can do to keep yourself safe and well. It will be regularly reviewed.

You will be entitled to a section 117 plan if you are placed on a community treatment order (section 17A) when you leave hospital.

What help will I get under section 117?

Your mental health crisis may have affected you in different ways. It may make it harder for you to do some things for yourself in future. The things you struggle with are called your 'needs'. You should be offered help to deal with these needs. For example, you may be offered:

• specialist housing;
• help to meet other people;
• help with developing or regaining skills in work or education; and
• free prescriptions for medication to help you with your mental health.

You may also get help with meeting your wider social, cultural or spiritual needs. You may find you can deal with some of your other needs by yourself.

You will not be asked to pay for any social care services if you leave hospital with a section 117 plan in place.

We will work with the NHS to arrange your section 117 aftercare services.