Share your experience of Section 117 aftercare

Friday, 21 November 2025

Smiling woman with curly hair works on a laptop at home. She's seated at a wooden table with a coffee mug, papers, and stationery, creating a cosy, focused ambiance.

A survey and focus group are being carried out by Partners in Care and Health (PCH) to gather views on Section 117 aftercare.

PCH is a national programme supported by the Local Government Association and ADASS (Directors of Adult Social Services). PCH helps councils and the NHS improve care and support for people in their communities.

What is Section 117 aftercare?

Section 117 aftercare is a legal right to free support for people who have been detained in hospital for mental health treatment under certain sections of the Mental Health Act.

You are entitled to Section 117 aftercare if you were detained under:

Section 3 – treatment order
Section 37 – hospital order
Section 45A – hospital direction
Section 47 or 48 – transferred prisoners

You are not entitled to Section 117 aftercare if you were only detained under Section 2 (assessment) or admitted voluntarily.

Assessment before discharge

Before you leave hospital, a Section 117 aftercare assessment must take place. This assessment helps professionals understand what support you will need so that:

Your aftercare plan is agreed in advance
The right services are arranged before you go home
You are supported to stay well and avoid readmission

What aftercare is for

After leaving hospital, the NHS and your local council must work together to provide ongoing support – this might include help with housing, daily living, mental health care, activities, work or education, and staying connected.