Mental health-related incidents in the Northumbria Police Force area have increased by 152%, leading the Police Commissioner, Kim McGuinness to call for urgent investment in mental health services.
Backed by non-profit organisation Everyturn Mental Health, the commissioner says there is an urgent need to reduce the pressure the mental health crisis is placing on struggling police resources, while at the same time ensuring those in crisis get the expert help they need.
Northumbria Police is experiencing a concerning rise in mental health incidents. Recent data from the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s office reveals there has been an increase of 152% mental health related incidents since 2017, accompanied by higher 999 call volumes.
Everyturn Mental Health, which works on behalf of the NHS and local authorities, provides crisis services to offer practical and emotional support to anyone in mental health crisis. Everyturn, backed the Police Crime Commissioner’s figures, showing that its ‘Together in a Crisis’ service (TIAC) has seen an increase of 109% in referrals since 2022.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the two organisations are working together to call for more investment in mental health crisis support – including training for police officers, and better funding for existing crisis services. Through this collaboration, Northumbria Police and Everyturn Mental Health aim to ensure that vulnerable people receive the care and support they require.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “This can’t go on. Our police work hard to ensure they are always there for those in need but people in a mental health crisis need to be looked after by healthcare specialists. That’s why we need to free up pressure on our police by investing in mental health services. We can’t carry on taking the 24/7 availability of our police for granted.
“The current system is not only letting people with mental health conditions down, but also our police officers, and the safety and wellbeing of our community. Poor funding of our essential services is the problem. The mental health service has faced cuts and our police have faced drastic cuts themselves. Northumbria Police has had £148 million cut out of its budget since 2010. We’re seeing the very desperate consequences of all this now and things need to change”.
Adam Crampsie, Chief Executive at Everyturn Mental Health, said: “Every month we see more people facing mental health crisis, due to debt or financial worries caused by the cost-of-living crisis, housing issues, relationship difficulties, or problems with drugs or alcohol, amongst other causes.”
“Funding for mental health services has not increased to match demand, which means pressure on the system is piling up, and people in crisis are suffering as a result. Many are turning to the police in moments of crisis when the support they need should be provided by specialist mental health services like Together in a Crisis. More investment needs to be made in these services to ensure the right care is given from the right person; prevent unnecessary pressure on the police and allow them to do what they do best”.
For more information and support details from Every Turn Mental Health click here.
ENDS
