Key Updates

The Framework for Collaboration document, developed by the Partnership Delivery Group, including significant input from the MHTF, seeks to outline the responsibilities, processes and principles for a whole system collaborative approach to distress.

Scottish Government (SG) authored document has been developed through consultation with Emergency Services, NHS, Social Care, Social Work and further third sector and community organisations. It is accompanied by a Collaborative Commitments Document (Action Plan). This has been the subject of wide-ranging consultation and feedback.

The documents were presented at the MH Strategic Oversight Board (SOB) on 30 October and endorsed by the chair, DCC Speirs. SG will now be seeking Ministerial and Special Advisor clearance week commencing 9 December 2024 with an anticipated launch date of January 2025.

MENTAL HEALTH PATHWAY

The Mental Health Pathway is a SG funded collaboration between PS, NHS 24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service which enables C3 officers and staff to effectively assess and refer persons in MH crisis/distress, who initially contact PS, directly into the NHS24 Mental Health Hub (MHH), following robust risk assessment. MHTF are fully embedded in the progress of this pathway.

Between August 2020 and September 2024, over 10,600 referrals have been made by PS.  Work is ongoing by the MHTF to maximise use of the pathway, whilst monitoring quality and appropriateness of the referrals.

Phase 4 of MHP now agreed with NHS 24 and SAS as being High Intensity Users/Complex needs. A working group led by SG with Public Health Scotland has been established to progress this work. In addition, the MHTF will seek to consider this from first contact (telephony or digital) in C3 through to attendance by local policing, examining the user journey and all associated processes.

DISTRESS BRIEF INTERVENTION (DBI)

The DBI programme creates a time limited response to persons in distress. It is a two-level approach: DBI level 1 being trained persons (including police officers) who can provide a referral option to those in distress, and DBI level 2 consisting of trained 3rd sector staff who receive the referral and contact the person in distress within 24 hours, offering support for up to 14 days.   

Over 1,600 officers are now trained to DBI level 1 and over 4,200 referrals have been made since 2017. The MHTF take responsibility to co-ordinate and oversee this rollout whilst providing DBI training to officers and members of police staff. 

A Ministerial visit took place on 26 November at PS Headquarters Dalmarnock with ACC Policing Together, members of the MHTF, Scottish Government, 3rd sector partners and DBI Central Team in attendance. The event received significant positive media coverage.

MENTAL HEALTH INDEX

The Mental Health Index (MHI) was created by the MHTF in collaboration with SG to help formalise and structure a more consistent approach to the community triage support. Furthermore, it aims to help frontline personnel, and those in specialist divisions, who are engaging with a person experiencing mental health crisis/distress to ensure they receive the support they need. 

The MHI was launched force wide on 11 September 2024 with a supporting PS Corporate Comms delivery plan and quick links access via frontline officers’ mobile devices. 

Dip sampling being carried out by MHTF has shown the beneficial use of the MHI, with positive feedback being received from divisions.   

MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH PROPOSAL

At the Risk and Harm Data Owners Group (RAHDOG) meeting in September 2024, ACC Johnson approved and granted a research project by Professor Susan McVie (University of Edinburgh) relating to Policing Mental Health Distress: Understanding the socio-demographic characteristics, health vulnerabilities, and healthcare system use of people in contact with the police due to factors relating to poor mental health or wellbeing. 

Additionally, following a recent meeting of the SIPR Responsive Research Fund Award Panel, research has been commissioned to consider Good Practice in the Transfer of Care. A key issue for people in distress with subsequent demand on agencies. Both areas of research align to Police Scotland’s strategic objectives and policing priorities.