FridayOL

Humberside Police Officer Recognised for Transforming Mental Health Response

In a remarkable display of dedication and innovation, John Thirkettle, the Mental Health Lead at Humberside Police, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours. This prestigious recognition acknowledges his pivotal role in developing and implementing the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) programme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve the response to vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health crises.

For years, police forces across the UK have faced the challenging task of responding to incidents involving people with mental health needs. Often, officers found themselves dealing with situations that fell outside their training and expertise, leading to unnecessary arrests, hospital admissions, and a strain on both police resources and mental health services. The RCRP programme was conceived as a solution – a collaborative approach that brings together police, health professionals, and other relevant agencies to ensure individuals receive the right care, from the right person, at the right time.

The Right Care Right Person Programme: A Model for the Nation

John Thirkettle's leadership in the creation and development of RCRP has been instrumental in its success. The programme operates on the principle of triaging mental health calls, allowing mental health professionals to respond directly to incidents where appropriate, rather than relying solely on police intervention. This proactive approach has yielded significant benefits:

• Reduced Police Time: Officers are freed up to focus on core policing duties, responding to serious crime and protecting the public.
• Improved Mental Health Outcomes: Individuals in crisis receive timely and specialized support from mental health professionals, leading to better outcomes and reduced hospital admissions.
• Enhanced Collaboration: RCRP has fostered stronger partnerships between police and health services, creating a more integrated and responsive system.
• Reduced Criminalisation: Fewer individuals experiencing mental health crises are arrested, avoiding the stigma and potential harm associated with the criminal justice system.

The success of the RCRP programme in Humberside has led to its adoption by other police forces across the country, making it a national model for improving the response to mental health incidents. John Thirkettle's vision and dedication have not only transformed the way Humberside Police handles mental health calls but have also contributed to a more compassionate and effective approach to supporting vulnerable individuals nationwide.

A Deserved Honour

“This MBE is a testament to John's extraordinary dedication and the transformative impact of the Right Care Right Person programme,” said Chief Constable Lee Freeman of Humberside Police. “His commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people is truly inspiring, and he deserves this recognition.”

John Thirkettle's award highlights the vital role of mental health leads within police forces and the importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing complex social issues. It serves as an inspiration to others working to improve the well-being of communities across the UK.

The King's Birthday Honours recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals from all walks of life. John Thirkettle's MBE is a well-deserved acknowledgement of his significant contribution to policing and mental health care.