Specialist Mental Health support and advice

A dedicated new team are now working in in the Gwent Police control room to help officers and staff deal with live incidents involving people who are experiencing problems with their mental health.

During calls of any nature, from 999 to 101 the Mental Health Triage Team are on standby assisting with cases involving those who are or have become mentally unwell. 

The team help to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in very difficult circumstances. 

The specialists have access to the police, health boards and social services’ computer systems across Gwent, which allows them to build a picture of the incident and those involved.

The provision of these specialist staff, working in our control room at peak times, seven days a week, means that the best possible information and guidance is available when people are experiencing distress or harm through being mentally unwell.

It is hoped the new service will result in a reduction in Section 136 detentions, with less need for the use of force on people in acute crisis and better access to appropriate health and social care provision through liaison with the relevant services.

The support will help to reduce demand on Gwent Police by, sometimes-averting officers from needing to attend scenes during a mental health crisis or by reducing the amount of time officers need to spend once deployed by offering access to mental health services.

Gwent’s Mental Health Triage Team’s Manager, David Richards said: ‘The team is the first of its kind in Wales and is therefore a flagship service.  I am very proud to have been appointed and I am determined that the service will ensure people in a mental health crisis, get access to the most appropriate help to meet their needs.’

Gwent Police Sergeant Andy Massaro said: ‘From working with the mental health team I have already seen a big impact on our work. The intervention work, including the ability to complete background checks, liaise with outside agencies, speaking to officers and other healthcare professionals has given us accurate information and a better ability to utilise our resources effectively.  Furthermore, by doing this, there is also the knowledge those in need of specialist care are being helped in a more effective way.’

Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: ‘People in mental health crisis are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. It is vital that these individuals are able to access specialist support and receive the right level of help during their greatest hour of need. Following a very successful pilot scheme, funded by my office, I am thrilled to welcome a new team of mental health care professionals in to our control room who will provide consistent advice and support right across Gwent.’