A PILOT scheme is to take place in Warrington and Halton to help police deal with incidents involving people with mental health issues.
It will see mental health nurses responding alongside police officers to incidents where mental health issues have been identified.
Police say the demands on the police service due to mental health problems are well evidenced.
It has been estimated that mental illness costs more than £105 billion every year in England.
Cheshire Police deal with 450 incidents per month and around 15 per cent of all “concern for safety” incidents relate to individuals identified as having mental health issues.
Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer (pictured) has welcomed the scheme.
He said: “I welcome this pilot, as it shows the Constabulary are working closely with partner agencies to help individuals who identify with mental health issues.
“It’s about ensuring people with mental health issue have the support they need, whether they are a victim, witness or offender. By having a trained nurse with the officer, we’re ensuring that the right support for the individual is at hand.”
Nurses to help police when dealing with mental health issues
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
