Officers being called to 'more mental health incidents this year' says North Yorkshire police chief as force prepares for difficult winter

Mental health is increasingly becoming one of the most common reasons for someone to call the police, a senior official at one of the Yorkshire forces has said.
Mr Pannone said people had been finding this year "really tough" amidst the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Adobe Stock ImagesMr Pannone said people had been finding this year "really tough" amidst the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Adobe Stock Images
Mr Pannone said people had been finding this year "really tough" amidst the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Adobe Stock Images

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Pannone, who recently joined North Yorkshire Police from its neighbouring constabulary in Cumbria, says many types of calls received by the force's control room usually have a mental health aspect, from missing people to incidents of violence and drugs.

The long-serving officer and inspector has been in the police for nearly 20 years and has been trained as a negotiator for 17, helping talk down and reassure people at their most vulnerable moments.

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He said the coronavirus crisis this year had seen rising numbers of calls from people concerned about someone's mental health.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Pannone, North Yorkshire PoliceAssistant Chief Constable Mark Pannone, North Yorkshire Police
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Pannone, North Yorkshire Police

"Even though police now have better training than we used to and there is much more awareness around the issue, the number of people we are seeing with mental health issues is increasing," he told The Yorkshire Post.

Calls with mental health elements range from concerns for safety from neighbours, loved ones or bystanders, missing people or even assaults where a person has lashed out.

Some 423 people were reported missing to North Yorkshire Police between March 23 and July 4 during lockdown this year, according to figures on its Freedom of Information disclosure log. These included 296 people aged 20 and under.

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Last year alone, the force was called to nearly 23,000 incidents in which a person's mental health was a factor.

Mental health calls are one of the most common reasons for people to call the police now. Picture: paMental health calls are one of the most common reasons for people to call the police now. Picture: pa
Mental health calls are one of the most common reasons for people to call the police now. Picture: pa

"People are finding this year really tough," Mr Pannone said.

"They will continue to do so, especially as we move towards Christmas. The trouble with mental health issues is they can affect anyone at any time.

"Luckily, we have got a really good relationship with different authorities working in the sector. But mental health policing is a significant part of our day-to-day activity now.

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"What's really important is making sure people know where to go to get help."

It comes as a charity revealed today (Tuesday) it had seen a surge in calls from people seeking advice for self-harm and how to support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Rethink Mental Illness said that in the six months after lockdown, more than 2.3 million people visited their website for advice and information.

The charity said demand for advice and information doubled compared with the six months prior to lockdown, including a 229 per cent increase in the number of people reviewing advice and information about self-harm.

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Anyone seeking help for their mental health can access a range of helplines and services through the NHS here or contact Samaritans on 116 123.

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