Date: Thursday 7 January 2016
Time: 10.15am - 12.15pm
Location: HWG/04, Harold Wilson Building (University of Huddersfield) ground floor, room 4

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) (2007) provides a legal framework, which aims to protect and empower people who lack capacity.

The MCA encourages that capacity is assessed and assumptions are not made about people’s ability to make decisions.

This also provides guidance so that people are listened to and their needs are adhered to. Ultimately it promotes the concept of best interests, however it's not without its challenges and in practice many practitioners struggle to follow the act.

The DVD, ‘In My Best Interests: Michael’s Story’ is a joint venture involving Michael, the University of Huddersfield, St. Anne’s Community Services, and our Trust. It illustrates a situation when the MCA was used, showing the progression of Michael’s and a multi-disciplinary team’s involvement in the MCA process.

The MCA was utilised at a time in Michael’s life when due to illness he lacked capacity. Michael has fully consented to the DVD.

This DVD is aimed at all practitioners working within health and social care who wish to learn more about the MCA and best practice. During the launch event the DVD will be shown and practitioners can engage in meaningful discussion about the intricacies and practicalities of utilising the MCA and its principles.