Claire Andre has been a registered MH Nurse since March 2002. Her clinical experience includes 10 years within Forensic Adult Services in various roles; and more recently the Ward Manager on a Psychiatric PICU. In Sept. 2014 she began an exciting new role in NTW as Clinical Police Liaison Lead. The role was created with the main aim to take a proactive approach, and establish improved working practices between the Police and NTW, including engaging with both Northumbria Police and British Transport Police, and on occasion wider Police Forces.
Sergeant Richie Poole – Devon & Cornwall Police
our Joint SIG Lead for MH, Emergency Services and CJ System with Claire Andre from NTW, and Mark Thomas from Mersey Fire and Rescue. Richie is a senior Police Sergeant with Devon and Cornwall Police and is currently the Operations room manager, with specific responsibility for the force’s control room based street triage scheme. The scheme has been extremely successful in reducing s136 detentions in the south west and has been recognised nationally and internationally as good practice in achieving positive outcomes for those in crisis. Richie can be contacted on twitter @poolyboppMark Thomas – Mersey Fire and Rescue
My Fire and Rescue Service career began in 1992, when I started in Merseyside as a Firefighter. I have progressed to a Senior Officer position, retaining responsibility for a broad set of references including Response, Prevention and Protection and more recently leading the Operational Planning and Contingency Planning Teams through the Preparedness function.
Due to the (often traumatic) nature of Emergency response and the associated psychological effects on our staff, I developed an interest in mental health and emotional wellbeing. Along with the Services’ mental health lead in 2012, I researched, developed and introduced a procedure to offer pre and post-trauma support for our staff; a procedure that would challenge our staff, our Service and long developed cultures and beliefs. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is now embedded and I continue to actively lead the procedure.
Working locally, regionally and nationally in collaboration with other emergency services, I share ideas, challenge our initiatives and provide support for teams and individuals whilst strengthening our organisational resilience.
I am a sitting member of the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide Reduction Partnership Board, where I am proud to make a positive contribution to developing and delivering the Strategy to enable us to reduce suicide within the region.
I look forward to sharing my experiences, challenging myself and others and working nationally with similar-minded colleagues as part of the Positive Practice in Mental Health Collaborative.
Mark can be contacted on twitter @dixiedeansboots