In 2023, the "Right Care, Right Person" (RCPC) framework was introduced to assess if the police are the most appropriate service to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

It aims to make sure the right services deal with health-related calls, instead of the police, so that vulnerable people get the right support.

Under the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) principle, the police will not usually attend mental health–related welfare checks or enter a person’s home unless there is a clear risk of crime, serious harm, or immediate danger.

When this was introduced, Rachel Hale (Lead Community Mental Health Builder) wrote an update about the policy and what it means for Wakefield District.

New Guidline Document

A guideline document has been produced for VCSE organisations on crisis support.

The purpose of the document is to clarify the official threshold for Police involvement in a mental health-related crisis or missing person altert. It also aims to provide a comprehensive list of alternative crisis organisations in each West Yorkshire area, as the police should not be the first point of contact in these situations.

By sharing best practices and enhancing knowledge, we can develop local escalation protocols, establish effective data sharing, and ensure that arrangements are in place to minimise harm or delays during the handover of care between the police and mental health services.

Download the RCRP Guidlines Document.

Best practices for VCSE Organisations to support individuals in crisis

• When attempting to de-escalate a situation, use empathetic and affirming language to support the individual’s willingness to seek help. Ask open-ended questions with curiosity and without judgment regarding their intentions and plans. Always ask for their date of birth (DOB), current location, and full name in case escalation becomes necessary.
• MindWell has a web page on how to help someone in a crisis. You can download resources for your colleagues, and there is further information about individual steps of supporting individuals experiencing this.
• WY 111: 111 Option 2 is the new access point for anyone seeking supportfrom the mental health line. The adult mental health crisis Single Point of Access phone line has not been available (effective May 2024.) NHS 111 MH crisis helpline, whereby choosing option 2" will take the caller directly to MH support services.

Each organisation also has a duty of care to the individuals they support. Staff should familiarise themselves with their service’s policy and, where necessary, seek legal or management advice on what is expected of them in these situations.

If you'd like to speak to Rachel about RCRP, please email rachel.hale@nova-wd.org.uk.