Metropolitan Police Authority - working in partnership for better mental health services conference

27/06
8 May 2006

A conference to improve arrangements between police and health partners to deliver better services for mental health users will be held on Tuesday 9 May, 10.00am – 4.00pm, at Congress Centre, London WC1B 3LS.

The aim of the conference is to take mental health and policing forward following on from the findings of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) and NHS Joint Review of Policing and Mental Health, published in October 2005. Partners attending include the MPA, Association of Directors of Social Services, London Development Centre, the Metropolitan Police Service and the NHS.

Richard Sumray, MPA member and conference chair said:

“This conference is an important continuation of the programme started by the MPA/NHS joint review on policing and Mental Health, with the aim of increasing mutual understanding and co-operation between agencies.

“The joint review identified the need for better co-ordination in leadership improvements in services and greater understanding of mental health issues, and made a number of significant recommendations to tackle these concerns.

“We have all worked hard to progress the recommendations in the joint review and many have now been agreed by key leaders in the police, NHS and Social Care in London. These have major implications for all agencies working in this area.

“The conference will bring together all the major stakeholders and help provide the leadership required to implement good practice. The issues which we will debate will further this programme and re-inforce our commitment to work in partnership and ensure recommendations are followed through and that improvements continue to take place.”

Workshops will be held to tackle key issues such as:

• Myths and Realities: the links between violence and mental illness are far weaker than either the public or the police believe.
• Communication, Confidentiality and Information Sharing: poor information sharing and communication breakdowns between statutory agencies are often cited as contributory factors in homicide inquiries and are also a key concern for service users.
• Balancing Rights and Risk – The User Experience: users across London were consulted about their experiences of mental health and police services working together.
• Balancing Rights and Risk – The Criminal Justice System: when a person with mental health support needs commits an offence, it should be followed up through the criminal justice system.
• Rethinking places of safety: at the time of the review, despite the existence of protocols, current arrangements are not working effectively.

Notes to editors

1. Guest speakers will include: Sir Ian Blair, Commissioner Metropolitan Police Service, Dr Peter Carter CBE, Chief Executive, Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust
2. A full copy of the review, including the chairs’ forward, summary and recommendations can be found at www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/mpa/2005/051027/11.htm

Further media information

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