Ensuring those in mental health distress get the right support in the right place.
A groundbreaking Framework for Collaboration has been launched, marking a significant step in improving how emergency services respond to mental health crises in Scotland. The Framework has been signed off by Maree Todd Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport and Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs.
The Framework is the result of a dedicated Mental Health and Policing Partnership Delivery Group (PDG), formed in 2024 in response to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Thematic Review of Policing and Mental Health. Led by the Scottish Police Authority, the PDG includes Police Scotland, Scottish Government, and the Scottish Ambulance Service plus other external stakeholders including VHS, working together to address the growing volume of mental health-related emergency calls.
Partnership in Action
As a part of the PDG, VHS last year submitted a joint response to the draft Framework in collaboration with VHS members See Me Scotland, Change Mental Health and Bipolar Scotland. Our response highlighted the need for the third sector’s contribution and role in addressing mental health distress to be fully recognised across the Framework. VHS also highlighted the lack of reference to the role of Community Link Workers within the Framework, particularly given their contribution to early intervention and prevention work.
“We’re really pleased to have supported the development of the Framework for Collaboration ensuring that the role of the Third Sector and VHS members is understood as we seek to further improve collaboration across sectors. The next steps to implement the framework are crucial and partners are already moving forwards to deliver change”.
Tejesh Mistry, Chief Executive VHS
More information on the framework can be viewed from this article published on the VHS website back in August 2024 or read the collaboration notes.
