Martin Benfield

Martin has 25 years' of experience in mental health work. Having started working in a voluntary capacity with a local MIND association, he went on to train in social work and completed an MSc/Dip SW in social work studies at the University of Southampton in 1996. Following training to be an approved social worker in 1999, he worked as an ASW/approved mental health professional for Bristol City Council for fifteen years including 10 years as the ASW/AMHP Learning and Development Officer. He is now an independent trainer and currently developing his interest in writing. His primary areas of interest include: human rights in mental health law; the interface of the Mental Health Act and The Mental Capacity Act; and person-centred responses in dementia care.