Police chiefs backing mental health awareness campaign

This year’s key messages stress the importance of good relationships for good mental health.

Cleveland Police is therefore highlighting local organisations which advise and support those who want to change their relationship with drugs or alcohol - as well as specialists who can help people in unhealthy personal relationships.

The Force was first to pilot a street triage service, with mental health nurses attending incidents alongside officers to assess the mental health of often vulnerable people.

The nationally recognised pilot has since become permanent and over the last four years has resulted in less people with mental health illnesses being detained in police custody and more being referred to a place of safety and provided with the treatment and support they need. Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said: “Cleveland piloted the street triage scheme which I funded before it was officially piloted by the Home Office.

“It is an approach that works and we continue to support and I welcome the vote of confidence given by the Home office in our work and the extra resources to develop further any work around early intervention.”

Temporary Chief Constable of Cleveland Polivce, Iain Spittal added: “We have very successful working relationships with the many local organisations.”