Mental Health Officers at East Lothian Council
A Mental Health Officer (MHO) is a specially trained social worker who has the training, education, experience and skills to work with people with a mental disorder, such as a mental illness or learning disability.
What do Mental Health Officers (MHOs) do?
The MHO role involves protecting health, safety, welfare, finances and rights of adults. This includes assessing the need for intervention and preparation of reports and applications for individuals who are experiencing mental disorder and
- lack capacity to make decisions relating to their personal welfare or finances
- may need compulsory measures of care, treatment and in some cases detention in hospital
- come into contact with the Criminal Justice system
Our team is part of Adult Services, and we primarily work with people over the age of 16, however our work under the Mental Health Act can involve working with under 16s. We work closely with medical and legal professionals such as Psychiatrists, GPs, Community Psychiatric Nurses, Solicitors, the Courts and the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.
How to contact our Mental Health Officers
If you need to reach out to our Mental Health Officers, please use the following contact details:
East Lothian Council Mental Health Team - 01875 824309
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
The Emergency Social Work Service
In an emergency situation outside our social work office hours, please call (freephone) 0800 731 6969. The Emergency Social Work Service operates Monday to Thursday 4:45pm to 8:45am and Friday 3:45pm to 8:45am. During public holidays, the service is open 24 hours.
For immediate assistance, you can also call the East Lothian Care When It Counts (CWIC) Mental Health Line at 0300 790 6292 (operating hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4pm). This service is available to anyone aged 18 and over. The CWIC team will assess your needs and provide support or referrals as necessary. Please note that this service is not intended for individuals already under the care of a Community Mental Health Nurse or those experiencing a mental health emergency.
For additional resources and information, visit the Eastspace website
More information regarding the role and responsibilities
Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (legislation.gov.uk)
Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (legislation.gov.uk)