Support on hand to people who are struggling

The Street Triage Team of PC Gav Craig, team manager Claire Witten, and Nurse Dave Roberts.

A campaign has been launched encouraging people to reach out to family and friends who may be struggling.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Northumbria Police and its Street Triage team are launching the #AskAgain campaign.

The campaign encourages people to take the time to reach out to loved ones and give them another chance to ask for help.

Northumbria Police Street Triage Officer Gav Craig said: “By getting people to ‘Ask Again’ we’re hoping that those in need of support see this as a sign that those asking really do want to know how they’re doing and offer them help – it isn’t just a conversation starter.”

Through the Force’s Street Triage team, officers have identified thousands of people in crisis and put them in touch with the appropriate mental health professionals – ensuring people get the right care at the right time.

The Street Triage Team, launched in 2014, is a partnership involving Northumbria Police officers and mental health nurses who are employed by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

PC Craig added: “As a Force, we’ve been working hard to continue to develop how we support mental health related incidents and working alongside our partners and implementing the Street Triage Team has been a big part of this.

“If you are in need, then please do reach out to the relevant support services – there are people who can help.”

Anyone worried about your own or someone’s mental health search ‘Northumbria Police Mental Health’ for more information or if the need is more urgent please contact the Northumberland and North Tyneside mental health crisis service on 0800 6522 861.