Hello, IM DUCKMAN. I am a mental health activist who has dedicated my life to helping people in crisis and raising awareness about mental health. After losing my dad suddenly in 2018, I began in 2019 taking my best friend charlie a teddy duck out with me to support people in crisis, helping them feel less alone and sign posting to them to support. This is why I fight for change, for every person who feels unseen.

Currently, there is no national mandate requiring all UK police officers to undergo Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. While some forces, like Northumbria Police, offer MHFA courses and others include mental health awareness in officer training, these programmes vary in depth and consistency across regions. This means many officers face mental health crises without the standardised skills to respond safely and effectively.

Mental Health First Aid training equips officers with the skills to recognise signs of mental health issues, respond appropriately, and guide individuals towards professional help. This training is essential for officers who frequently encounter people in crisis.

Gaynor Wardle, Head of Specialist Operations at the College of Policing stated and I quote below;

'The first duty of all police officers is to preserve life, and on a daily basis officers are keeping people safe and responding to life threatening incidents. Our improved first aid training will make sure officers have the skills and knowledge needed for their challenging and complex role.' 

Source - College of Policing

If the duty of all police officer is to preserve life, and on a daily basis officers keeping people safe, then it is vital that all police officers are trained in mental health training. 

 

 

 

Why this matters

• Increasing Mental Health Incidents: Police officers are frequently called to incidents involving individuals in mental health crises. Without proper training, situations can escalate, leading to negative outcomes for both individuals and officers.
• Lack of Consistency Across Forces: The absence of a national mandate means training quality and availability vary widely. Mandatory MHFA training would ensure all officers are equally prepared.
• Improved Outcomes: MHFA training improves officers' confidence in handling mental health crises and leads to better outcomes for those involved.
• Support for Officers: Providing officers with these skills can reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, and enhance overall performance.

We Demand That

1. All police officers in the UK receive mandatory Mental Health First Aid training.
2. Training is incorporated into initial police training and included in ongoing professional development.
3. Funding is allocated to ensure all officers have access to this training.
4. Regular assessments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the training.

Your Voice Matters

People in crisis are treated like criminals, rather than being offered the care and support they need. By signing this petition, you’re helping push the UK government and police forces to implement a simple, cost-effective reform that can save lives, improve care, and ensure people in crisis are treated with dignity and properly supported.

Sign now, share widely.

Thanks

Duckman