1. You can call NHS 111 about someone else
Choose the mental-health option and describe what is happening. NHS urgent mental-health guidance.
2. You can share concerns with a service
Confidentiality may prevent staff from discussing a patient's care with you, but it does not prevent them from listening. Give factual changes, dates and risks. Where possible and safe, be open with the person that you are doing this. GMC confidentiality guidance.
3. "Nearest relative" is not next of kin
Under current Mental Health Act guidance, the nearest relative is chosen by legal rules and has particular rights. It is not the same as next of kin. The Mental Health Act 2025 provides for this role to be replaced by a nominated person who can be chosen by the patient, but those provisions are not yet in force. Ask the AMHP which rules apply at the time. Mind: current nearest-relative rights and Mental Health Act 2025: nominated-person provisions.
4. You can still pass on information from a distance
Living elsewhere does not stop you calling NHS 111, writing to a GP or care team, or contacting the relevant local service. They may not be able to share information in return. See the GP letter builder.
5. Ask about Early Intervention in Psychosis
Early Intervention in Psychosis teams work with people experiencing a first episode. Referral routes vary locally, so ask the GP or mental-health service how to contact the team in that area. NHS psychosis treatment guidance.
6. You may be entitled to support of your own
If you regularly provide unpaid support, you may be able to request a carer's assessment or local equivalent. You do not have to use the word “carer” in everyday life to ask what support is available. See Rights & money and Carers UK's nation-specific guidance.
7. “They have capacity” is not a blanket answer
In England and Wales, capacity relates to one specific decision at the time it needs to be made. It may fluctuate, and an unwise choice does not by itself mean a person lacks capacity. See what “they have capacity” means.
8. Some aftercare following detention is free
People detained for treatment under Section 3 and some court or prison sections may have a right to free Section 117 mental-health aftercare. Ask whether it applies before discharge and which services are included in the care plan. See coming home after a crisis.
9. A service decision can be questioned
Ask what was decided, why and what should happen next. If the situation changes, pass on the new information rather than waiting for a complaint. See when mental-health services say no.
And you?
If you have been trying to work all this out alone, visit Support for you or find a community.
Here for Someone is an independent information project, not a legal or medical service. UK law and service routes differ by nation. Follow the linked guidance and check the location label on each detailed guide.
Sources checked: 27 August 2026
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