Training for police
in mental health aid

About 100 Humberside Police officers have completed a five-week Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course specifically designed for the force by Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with NHS North Lincolnshire.

Occupational therapist Carol Fish, who helped devise the course, said: “MHFA is the help given to someone experiencing a mental health problem before professional help is obtained. It doesn’t train people to be therapists, but it does teach them how to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, how to provide initial help and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.

“It helps to remove the fear and myths relating to mental health and gives people the confidence to deal with someone who may be experiencing distress.”

As well as being advised on how to offer support to the public, the officers can also now help any colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health.

Supt Christine Kelk said: “This training was an excellent example of inter-agency working and the feedback from staff is that they found it extremely beneficial – professionally and also personally.

“I am confident that because
of this training our officers
will be able to provide a more
appropriate response in this area.”

In May, Humberside Chief Constable Tim Hollis signed a pledge on behalf of the force with the charity Mencap to support people with learning disabilities.

The Mencap Stand By Me promise consists of 10 key points aimed at ensuring that the force delivers a quality service to some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Officers are being trained as part of the initiative.