It is estimated that up to 40% of calls for assistance to Merseyside Police are now related to mental ill health.

While these calls don't appear in the crime statistics, the police will always respond.

This page will help is designed to:

  • Help you find information and advice
  • Find out more about projects and initiatives related to mental health being delivered by the Commissioner and the police.

Mental health concordat

The Mental Health Concordat sets out shared national principles to bring together a multi-agency response to individuals in mental health crisis. Police and Crime Commissioners are a leading partner in delivering the local action plans that will deliver the Concordat’s goals.

Find out more about the Mental Health Concordat here.

NHS Choices

The NHS has lots of information, support and advice. If you’re having mental health problems, you’re not alone. One in four of us will have problems with our mental health at some time in our lives.

NHS advice on mental health and wellbeing

NHS Mental Health Trusts in Merseyside

There are three mental health trusts that cover Merseyside:

  • MerseyCare NHS Trust provides specialist mental health services in North West England and beyond. The Trust provides specialist inpatient and community mental health, learning disabilities, addiction services and acquired brain injury services for the people of Liverpool, Sefton and Kirkby.
  • North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust ( formerly 5 Boroughs Partnership) is for people of all ages, living in the boroughs of Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and beyond. They offer services in community clinics, day-care centres and in-patient care for people with mental ill-health.
  • Cheshire and Wirral Partnership provides mental health, substance misuse, learning disability and community physical health services within Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

Mental Health Seminars

The Commissioner is committed to improving the care for people suffering from mental ill health as part of her Police and Crime Plan priority to 'Support Victims, Protect Vulnerable People and Maintain Public Safety'.

As part of this commitment, the PCC has hosted a series of specialist seminars aimed at equipped police officers and staff, other blue light responders, and partner agencies working in community safety and the voluntary sector with the skills and awareness to help the vulnerable people they are called out to help.

These seminars have focused on:

If you would like any further information about these events, or to learn about upcoming events, please contact Community Engagement Officer Michael Berry on (0151) 777 5164 or by email.

Appropriate Adults service

The Appropriate Adults scheme is one of the schemes run by Merseyside's Police Commissioner. 

The scheme ensures vulnerable adults, including those with a mental disorder, have all the support and guidance they need during the custody process. An Appropriate Adult is a vital part of the criminal justice process, they are present to safeguard the interests and welfare of vulnerable adults to ensure their individual rights are protected.

Appropriate Adult service

Policing and mental health

The Commissioner and Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Andy Cooke, have pledged their commitment to improving the care and support for people suffering with mental ill health, both among the public and within the police workforce. Please find some of the key initiatives below:

Blue Light Time to Change pledge

In September 2016, the PCC and Chief Constable joined forces to sign the Blue Light Time to Change pledge to challenge mental health stigma and promote wellbeing in the workplace. The Pledge, introduced and delivered by the mental health charity Mind, is a growing movement of over 400 employers across different sectors in England who are working to provide greater support for employees.

Read more about Blue Light Time to Change pledge here.

Our Blue Light Torch relay

In May 2017, Merseyside Police took part in the Our Blue Light Mental Health Torch Relay which visited different cities throughout the North of England to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Merseyside hosted the torch from 30th April until 7th May, during which time the torch toured the Commissioner's office, police, fire and ambulance stations and offices across Merseyside, as well as training academies, Liverpool and Everton Football clubs, Lime Street Station, the Radio City tower and the Mersey Ferry.

Read more about Our Blue Light Torch relay here.

Liaison and diversion

Merseyside Police has long been part of multi-agency health agreement and works with healthcare partners to deliver a high-quality response, as well as to improve the system of care, to support those with mental health problems.

Mental health triage car

Merseyside Police works in partnership with the region's mental health NHS trusts to operate a mental health Triage Car which supports people at the moment of crisis.

The car, which was launched in 2014, is staffed by an officer and a psychiatric nurse, who is able to provide an on-the-spot assessment and advice to make sure people get the right treatment for them. It is used for incidents where police believe those involved need immediate mental health support.

The use of the triage car has helped to reduce the number of people detained under section 136 of the mental health act by up to 40%.

Mental Health Criminal Justice Liaison Teams

Mental Health Criminal Justice Liaison Teams have played a vital role in improving care in custody suites across the region for vulnerable people who are in crisis.

Through this scheme Mersey Care and North West Boroughs NHS Trusts provide mental health nurses to cover the Force's custody suites ensuring proper treatment and healthcare is on hand for those who have been detained.

Merseyside Police was one of only 10 forces in the country to pilot this provision and it proved so successful that it was highlighted by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) who praised it as best practice