Tyler is a creative and energetic man of 30 whose ambition and passion is to make music and become a rap artist. He volunteers at a local charity shop and loves interacting with his customers. Tyler has Paranoid Schizophrenia and a history of alcohol misuse (now in remission). He is under a Community Treatment Order (CTO) and lives at a private open rehabilitation unit. Tyler has had a number of admissions to hospital under the Mental Health Act and has previously been an inmate at a young offender’s institution.

Due to having Paranoid Schizophrenia, Tyler hears voices in his head and has a long-standing delusional system relating to a number of different famous musicians and rappers with whom he has a fascination.

Tyler was referred to POhWER by his solicitor. Tyler needed support with his CTO and Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT).

Aaron, a POhWER Independent Advocate, phoned Tyler to introduce himself, explain his role and remit and gain an understanding of what Tyler wanted from the advocacy service.

Tyler was feeling dispirited and said, “They will never let me off the CTO, this has never happened in the past 10 years.”

Tyler and Aaron agreed that Aaron would support him to understand his CTO and prepare for his appeal; they would also discuss options and choices to gain a discharge from his CTO.

Aaron met with Tyler face-to-face and was able to review his tribunal reports with him. By doing this, Tyler was able to gain a better understanding and insight into his mental health and the journey that he had been through.

Tyler lacked self-confidence and did not have the self-belief that he could speak at his hearing.

Aaron and Tyler discussed strategies on how he would present his views to the MHRT panel. Aaron empowered Tyler to talk about the positive things that he had been working on, including self-medication, his hopes and aspirations and the quality of life he wanted to achieve.

On the day of the hearing Aaron met with Tyler and they made notes for Tyler to use as reminders on what he wanted to say to the panel. They also went through a public speaking exercise. Aaron encouraged Tyler to speak distinctly and loudly so that he was able to be impactful and deliver his views about why he wanted a discharge from the CTO confidently and clearly.

Tyler’s solicitor did not think that Tyler had made a strong case for discharge and doubted that he would be released from the CTO. Aaron challenged Tyler’s solicitor on this. Aaron also advocated for the least restrictive principle to be used in this decision.

Tyler’s CTO was rescinded at the Tribunal and Tyler was overjoyed with the decision.  Tyler said “Aaron was a great help, he’s got me where I am today. I could not have done this without Aaron. I haven't been off my section for years - this is the first time. Aaron’s inspired me to look into human rights and Mental Health Act stuff.  I've only got positive stuff to say, after his support with my tribunal.”