Southend Signs Up To County-wide Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat

December 22, 2014 by Joanna Harrison

Southend signs up to county-wide Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat

Monday 22nd December 2014

Agencies across Southend, Essex and Thurrock have signed the local Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat, demonstrating their commitment to working together better to deliver improved mental health services for people in crisis.

The concordat is an agreement between Emergency Services, Statutory and Voluntary Mental Health Services, the Police, Public Health and the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG’s) who are involved in the care and support of people in crisis. It sets out how organisations will work together better to make sure that people get the help they need when they are having a mental health crisis.

The county-wide approach to the Crisis Care Concordat was developed through a Mental Health Working Group which included agencies across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.

The agencies who signed this concordat have made a commitment to delivering the concordat throughout the county by putting in place, reviewing and regularly updating action plans to improve services.

Councillor David Norman said: “The signing of the concordat marks an important step in the improvement of our mental health services in Southend and across the whole county. It is vital in this day and age that agencies work together across Southend, Essex and Thurrock on improving outcomes for people experiencing mental health crisis. The signing of this declaration demonstrates the commitment we all have to this national issue and I look forward to working in partnership on this.”

Dr Jose Garcia Lobera, NHS Southend CCG GP chair, said: “It is crucial people in crisis get the support and treatment they need in an appropriate setting. Where possible, they should always see the same members of staff to ensure a consistent and respectful treatment journey. Part of the concordat focusses on early intervention and, alongside our partners, we will work to ensure people in crisis because of a mental health condition get fast access to services as they need them.”

Steven Kavanagh, Chief Constable Essex Police said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the introduction of this agreement. My officers are responding on a daily basis to calls where people with mental health issues have reached crisis point. As a force we will do our utmost to provide assistance in these situations but it is of vital importance that people in distress are provided with access to professional care and support, beyond that which policing can provide. I look forward to working closely with our partners to provide better and more effective solutions aimed at helping people in need.”

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “The signing of the Concordat is an important achievement. It demonstrates a real commitment from front line agencies to work closely together to ensure people in crisis receive the best possible help as soon as possible. The Concordat is a crucial step and we must continue to build on it.”