Personality disorders in the spotlight at PCC training seminar
03.03.16 - Merseyside
A major seminar aimed at raising awareness of personality disorders among frontline responders has been hosted by the Police Commissioner’s team.
More than 160 ‘first responders’ from Merseyside Police, the Probation Services, Addaction, health partners, safeguarding teams and more than 40 other community safety organisations attended the event, which was run by Jane Kennedy’s office in partnership with Resettle yesterday (Tuesday 2nd February).
Resettle, an organisation which works to rehabilitate offenders with personality disorders back in the community, agreed to work with the Commissioner’s team in order to raise awareness of the issue and encourage understanding among those on the frontline of care.
The Personality Disorder seminar, held at Merseyside Police Headquarters in Canning Place, also aimed to give attendees greater knowledge about how to deal with this sensitive subject and the services that are available for those affected.
Jane said: “This is the fifth event hosted by my team with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of critical, and often sensitive, issues faced by people who those on the frontline of care may be called to help.
“It is vital vulnerable people get the best possible care and support. Police officers and other emergency responders can only do this when they have the skills and knowledge to respond in the right way and that is what the event aimed to provide.
“Police officers will never turn away from someone who needs their help, so as Commissioner I have a responsibility to ensure they are equipped by the Force with the skills they need to help people in crisis.
“I’d also like to thank all the representatives who came from our partner organisations to participate in this awareness-raising event. I hope it will benefit as they go about their work, serving the people of Merseyside.”
The Commissioner’s team have previously held seminars on self-harm and suicide, mental ill health, learning disabilities and the condition ADHD.
Anyone affected by these issues should visit www.victimcaremerseyside.org, a new website created by the PCC to provide support and care for vulnerable people.