On World Mental Health Day 2023, GMP highlights the force’s Mental Health Tactical Advice Service

Greater Manchester Police’s Mental Health Tactical Advice Service (MHTAS) are based in the Force Contact Centre, the team were established in 2018, and they are trained mental health practitioners available 24/7 to offer advice and guidance to officers on response who are called to mental health crisis.

It is mandatory for GMP officers to contact the team prior to using Section 136 Mental Health Act powers of detention. The MHTAS team are qualified mental health professionals and can assist officers by helping them check mental health records, talking to the individual in crisis or considering the alternatives to Section 136 and attending at A&E.

They can advise on Mental Health Joint Response Vehicle (MHJRV) availability and the opening hours of local crisis cafes, recovery lounges and safe havens. Their work has meant that during September 2023, 79 section 136 detentions were avoided and 140 A&E attendances were also prevented.  This joint working promotes the use of the least restrictive means to support people in mental health crisis.

The MHTAS team are led by Ops Manager, Tom Walker, who is a qualified mental health social worker and an Approved Mental health Professional (AMHP) who joined the team in July this year from the AMHP Hub in Manchester where he was a senior social worker.

Tom is relishing his new role and has been working closely with Superintendent Suzanne Downey and Chief Inspector Phil Brown at the Force Command and Co-Ordination Centre to ensure that MHTAS is being used widely in supporting officers and those in crisis.  

Tom has been delivering in person training sessions to GMP officers across the City of Manchester in the company of North Manchester Prevention Hub’s, Inspector Anu Singh.  Anu is a keen problem solver, particularly in respect of those in mental health need. Anu said: “I love my job and there is no greater satisfaction to me than assisting district officers to navigate the many mental health pathways to get the right outcome for the individual in crisis.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Curran, who is GMP’s Mental Health lead, said: “I am really proud of the work that goes on across our force to help and listen to those in need during mental health crisis. 

More information about mental wellbeing can be found on the Mental Health Foundation website at www.mentalhealth.org.uk and at the GM Learn to Save a Life campaign: Learn to Save a Life - Shining a Light on Suicide