I believe that emergency service workers such as police and paramedics need additional training, focused on a trauma-informed and compassionate approach to severely mentally ill people. I think this will help them know how to better and compassionately assist these vulnerable individuals.

Mentally unwell people deserve the same dignity as you or I. Instead of receiving understanding and de-escalation, I believe many are met with fear, restraint, or responses that escalate distress. I do not believe that this is due to a lack of care, but a lack of specialised, compassionate training. We are calling on the UK Government to introduce mandatory, trauma-informed mental health training for all emergency service workers, including police officers and paramedics.