Protecting vulnerable people

A JOINT commitment from agencies across Cheshire to work together to ensure people in crisis receive urgent mental health care has been announced by Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer.
The Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat is a joint statement which describes what people experiencing mental health crisis should be able to expect from agencies such as local councils, the police, fire and rescue service and accident and emergency departments.
The declaration has been signed by organisations across Warrington, Halton and Cheshire.
All partners are committed to providing the most appropriate and timely response to people in mental health crisis by making sure that they receive the same standards of care as those with physical emergencies. In addition to the declaration, work is underway to identify key actions that organisations will take together.
Mr Dwyer (pictured) said: “Protecting vulnerable people from harm is a key priority and I am working towards establishing parity of care between physical and mental health crisis care.
“Joint working between police and mental health care providers across Cheshire is already showing fantastic outcomes in ensuring those in crisis get the appropriate help and support they need without becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
“I will work with partners to build on this joint statement through the development of a meaningful action plan for Cheshire which holds true to the commitments that we have agreed to.”
Lorraine Butcher, chairman of the Cheshire Strategic Mental Health Board, said: “It has been very encouraging to see how partners have worked together to agree a shared commitment to meet the needs of those experiencing mental health crisis. We have made a good start and I am pleased that the signatures on the declaration are committed to taking the next step in working to put actions in place to deliver our commitment on both a Cheshire-wide and more local level.”