The MHF fully supports the proposal to move towards a health-led response to mental health events, it’s good for vulnerable people and it’s good for Police. However,we estimate it will take at least five years of health workforce building until Police can fully scale back their role. The MHF is particularly concerned about the Police announcement with firm dates for transition starting in 2024 but with no corresponding health actions.
The MHF urges Police not to make changes to its operating model before an effective alternative is in place, and we urge the government to ensure the overall transition process is exceptionally well planned and coordinated, fully transparent to the public and the mental health sector and implemented on a gradual scale, otherwise vulnerable people and their families will fall through the cracks of a disjointed health response.
Police withdrawal from mental health events (pdf)