Police commissioner pledges to improve mental health care

The county’s police and crime commissioner has committed to working to support people suffering mental health issues in Herts.
David LloydDavid Lloyd
David Lloyd

David Lloyd announced his involvement in the initiative alongside other local enterprises and agencies this afternoon, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Day.

The commissioner’s vow paves the way for a formal ‘Crisis Care Concordat’ to be signed at the end of the month.

The aim of the concordat is to improve the care and support available to people in crisis, because of a mental health condition, so that they are kept safe and receive the most effective interventions swiftly.

Mr Lloyd said: “One of my core principles for making Hertfs an even safer place is partnership working.

“This is a perfect example of how crossing professional boundaries can be one of the best ways to really help people, especially those who are most vulnerable.

People suffering a crisis due to a mental health issue are not only more vulnerable as victims of crime but can also become the perpetrators of crime. If we can truly work together to help people at an early stage we can stop issues escalating, reduce the number of victims and prevent crime.”

As part of a national agreement, partners involved will pledge that they want to help people find the support they need − whatever the circumstances − from whichever service they turn to first.

They want to work together to prevent crises happening through intervening at an early stage and by looking together at the factors that contribute to crisis.

The aim is to make sure that the needs of vulnerable people in urgent situations are met and they get the right care at the right time from the right people.

Overseeing the county concordat will be Herts’ Health and Well-Being Board and the Community Safety Board, which Commissioner Lloyd chairs, before an action plan for mental health support in the county is drawn up.

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