The battle is ongoing and navigating the system has often proved overwhelming for her, as well as many others supporting someone who has been 'sectioned', which means they are involuntarily in hospital for psychiatric treatment.
But the results of a pioneering new initiative, led by the University of Bristol and co-created by Hannah as well as other carers in similar situations, aim to provide useful information and support on this difficult path.
The project, which has been a decade in the making, began when three researchers from the South West wanted to learn more about Nearest Relatives' lived experience and were concerned by their initial findings.
What started as voluntary work to improve the situation grew into a project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and involving mental health professionals, to provide better, more comprehensive support. This has culminated in dedicated free online resources sharing clear, accessible information about Nearest Relatives' rights and powers, practical guidance about how to use them effectively, and self-care tips.
The launch is especially timely as the Nearest Relative (NR) role, which is assigned to a family member by a mental health professional when a relative is detained for treatment will soon be replaced. Following recent changes to the Mental Health Act, it will be changing to a Nominated Person, who can be chosen by the patient and could be anyone in their support network who will have similar rights and powers to the NR.
Hannah, from London, welcomes the change, but thinks much more needs to be done to support Nearest Relatives in navigating the system and advocating for the person using services. For instance, they can ask their local authority, social worker or carers network for a carers assessment. They can also request a mental health assessment for the relative they are supporting, be informed if the patient is detained, and object to some types of detention, as well as apply for their discharge.
When first faced with the situation, Hannah felt unprepared and overwhelmed – even with her years of experience supporting vulnerable young people and families.
She said: "I knew something wasn't quite right and, after trying to manage it as a family, it became clear that we needed professional help. Even with my experience working in multi-agency teams, navigating the mental health system is complex. If I am struggling to get my head around it all, I dread to think what it's like for others with no background whatsoever, especially at such a traumatic time. That's why building these resources has been so useful and empowering, they fill in the gaps I was missing and will hopefully provide answers as well as pastoral support for others."
Drawing on years of lived experience navigating the mental health system, Hannah has become a stronger advocate for her son, who remains in hospital care.
She said: "The system never asked, 'What happened to him?' only 'What's wrong with him?'. After 15 years of feeling frustrated, we're finally making strong headway. He's on the best ward with no bullying, and the practitioners are on point. Such gaps reflect broader systemic issues that can leave families feeling unsupported at critical times.
"I visit weekly and we have a beautiful relationship. He had a Christmas Eve home visit, and he has been accepted to a rehab ward, but it could be a year or more before a space becomes available, reflecting the wider bed shortage in mental health services. Navigating the system is exhausting and uncertain, and sharing our experience through these resources feels meaningful if it helps even a little."
Asked what has been key to her success, she says, being curious, asking questions, and navigating complex professional relationships, even when trust is difficult or experiences of gaslighting and silencing arise.
Partnership has also been a crucial part of the Nearest Relatives project, which was supported by charities Mind, Rethink Mental Illness Carers Service in Bristol, Bristol City Council, as well as Professor Judy Laing, from the University of Bristol, Dr Jeremy Dixon from Cardiff University, Dr Kevin Stone from the University of South Wales, and Dr Harry Bark from the University of Bath.
In addition to comprehensive information, which is written in trauma-informed language and sensitive to cultural diversity, the resources include lived experience stories sharing advice and encouragement.
JJ, from Bristol, has been a Nearest Relative for a close family member over many years. He now uses his expertise and experience to support other carers at his local Rethink Mental Illness Carers Service.
He said: "I've been a carer since I was young and supported my loved one who's been in and out of hospital. My experience has been mixed. It's difficult. But I've been a critical part of her care. My message and my reason for being part of this project is 'don't lose hope'. We deserve support."
Judy Laing, Professor of Mental Health Law, Rights and Policy at the University of Bristol, has been the driving force behind the project, lending her legal expertise and uniting different groups.
Prof Laing said: "We've brought together a large team from different perspectives and backgrounds to develop the resources, which crucially have been co-created by people with lived experience of the Nearest Relative role. The feedback we've received so far has been really positive. We're not stopping here – the next steps are to make the resources also available in easy-to-read formats and in Welsh, as well as updating them to incorporate changes as the Nominated Person role takes effect.
"Ultimately, this reform means more people could find themselves being asked to safeguard the rights of a relative or friend in mental health care. The good news now is there's much more support – both for Nearest Relatives and mental health professionals – instantly available to help shine a light for people on this difficult path."
Emma Mack, Head of Legal for the mental health charity Mind, said: "Supporting a loved one when they are detained under the Mental Health Act and at their most vulnerable can feel overwhelming. That's why Mind is proud to have worked alongside Judy and the project team to help create these resources. They provide practical guidance and support for Nearest Relatives. By helping Nearest Relatives understand and exercise their legal rights, we hope to empower them to navigate the law with confidence and make a real difference in the care of someone they love."
Stian Westlake, Executive chair of UKRI's Economic and Social Research Council, said: "I am proud that UKRI's contribution to this project has enabled the development of practical resources to provide help and guidance for people going through immensely challenging periods of their lives. It serves as a perfect example of the power of public investment to ensure social and legal research has real impact that improves lives across the UK. I look forward to seeing what Professor Laing and her team do next."
The names of Nearest Relatives quoted in this press release have been changed to protect identities
