MH Act Code of Practice – Lived Experience Advisory Groups 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care contracted with Article 39, MIND, Rethink Mental Illness, and The Public Service Consultants Limited to deliver a programme of engagement with people who have lived experience of the Mental Health Act to inform the drafting of an updated Code of Practice. The service, divided into four lots covering general lived experience, children and young people, people with learning disabilities and autistic people, and ethnic minority and racialised communities, includes recruiting diverse participants, co-producing engagement methods, delivering structured activities, and providing reports on feedback and perspectives. The contract was awarded on 5 July 2026 for £379,679.42 with an initial 21-month term and option to extend up to six months, with additional engagement hours available as an option.