Most calls to police not crime related
Nearly 60% of calls to police in some parts of Kent involve people suffering from mental health issues.
Control room officers can lose up to 90 minutes speaking to someone who does not have a genuine emergency and is in need of counselling or support but a pioneering project is helping cut time lost to calls that would not be a police matter.
It involves workers from the Maidstone and Mid-Kent branch of mental health charity Mind operating from the force’s control room on Tuesday and Saturday nights.
They work eight-hour shifts to handle the calls, which can involve people threatening to commit suicide, and offer followup support.
The Mind Force Control Room project has dealt with an estimated 640 calls since launching on a trial basis in December 2015.
Kent’s police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott has granted funding of £117,000 to continue the scheme for the next three years.
Julie Blackmore, chief executive officer of Maidstone and Mid-Kent Mind, said: “Without a doubt I do think it’s saved lives, they are desperate, they are calling for support and for many it would be the first time they have picked up the phone and engaged with mental health services.
“The outcomes we have got already are fantastic. We are taking calls from right across Kent.”
Ms Blackmore says there are many other benefits, including cutting A&E admissions
Call Mind on 01622 692383 or visit www.mind.org.uk
If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans free on 116 123