30 January 2016
Police, health, criminal justice and voluntary agencies will come together today (Monday 30 January) for the unveiling of a ground-breaking new service to support vulnerable people across Greater Manchester.
Jointly commissioned by Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd and NHS England the service will work with vulnerable people in custody, courts and in the community to address a range of vulnerabilities such as mental ill health and substance abuse, providing the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of offending.
Mitie Care & Custody, in partnership with Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company and 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, were chosen in October 2016 to deliver the Integrated Health, Liaison and Diversion Partnership – an integrated Police Custody Healthcare Service and a Liaison and Diversion Service, which will enhance support already offered to people who come into police custody.
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “This service will provide a lifeline to thousands of vulnerable people, bringing police and health services together to address underlying issues of offending. It’s a common sense approach, but one that will only be effective if everybody with a stake in the criminal justice system contributes to its success.”
On behalf of all partner organisations, Seb Stewart, Managing Director at Care & Custody Health said: "By bringing together a credible, forward-thinking partnership of organisations to deliver fully integrated, innovative services to the police, courts and communities of Greater Manchester, we can support positive outcomes for vulnerable individuals coming into the criminal justice system, and contribute to a reduction in re-offending."
At the event attendees will hear how the service will work on the ground and the role they can play in driving it forward. Speakers include Adam Allen, Chief Executive, Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Richard Preece, Executive Lead for Quality, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, and Seb Stewart, Managing Director at Mitie.
The new service, which goes live on 1 February, will health assess thousands of vulnerable adults and young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system, including custody detainees and defendants passing through the court system. Those with mental health issues, learning disabilities, substance misuse or other vulnerabilities will be supported to access appropriate services.
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