BPS responds to new approach between the NHS and Met Police to mental health responses in London

Responding to the announcement from NHS England that the NHS in London will launch a new 24/7 advice service for police officers to seek rapid support from mental health specialists when they attend mental health calls, Sarb Bajwa, Chief Executive of the British Psychological Society, said:

"This new partnership between the NHS and Met Police is a positive step to ensuring people experiencing a mental health crisis access the support they need, from trained mental health practitioners, in the most appropriate setting. 

"As part of this process it is vital that those police officers attending an incident when someone is in a mental health crisis can receive expert advice on the most appropriate action to take, to ensure the best outcomes for all. 

"We have previously raised our grave concerns about the decision made earlier in the year which means police officers will no longer respond to urgent concerns about mental health if there is no risk to life or crime being committed, and the dangers this decision posed.

"While this phased approach to implementation is welcome, particularly the confirmation from the Met Police that they will take a slower approach to rolling out the full 'Right Care, Right Person' model, we still have serious concerns that people in crisis will continue to fall through the cracks.

"The recruitment and retention crisis in the NHS is well-documented, and mental health services are already stretched beyond capacity.  It is vital that there is adequate investment in this scheme to ensure people in crisis get the right support that they need, and lives can be saved."