Vanguard extends training programme into neighbouring regions

The Respond simulation training programme was launched in September and is being extended into north Yorkshire and Cumbria this month.

The programme uses video and audio clips to simulate a mental health crisis scenario which the trainees should respond to. It is designed to bring together doctors, nurses, police, paramedics and mental health workers to train them to respond to crisis situations.

It aims to improve crisis care responses by creating stronger relationships between the different agencies.

The programme was designed by health sector and other agencies involved in crisis care with support of North East and North Cumbria Urgent and Emergency Care Network vanguard.

The vanguard invested £200,000 in developing and delivering the scheme and is investing £10,000 to fund training sessions for 108 people in north Yorkshire and Cumbria.

The vanguard was formed in 2015 to cover the North East but has since expanded to include the north Cumbria region.

Since its launch, 400 professionals in the North East have already completed the training.

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Foundation Trust’s clinical police liaison lead Claire Andre said training the different agencies together was the best way to give them the skills needed to respond to mental health crises.

The vanguard is working with Health Education North East to expand the number of people receiving the training.

Viral Kantaria, project manager for NHS England’s urgent and emergency mental health care programme, said: “Respond is clearly an impressive, innovative way that professionals from different sectors – health, social care, policing and more – can come together to better understand one another’s roles, responsibilities and skills.

“I can see great potential in this approach if it is supported by professional bodies – it appears quite easily replicable if tailored to other local areas.”