Signing up to help those with mental health issues in Bedfordshire

Twenty-two organisations in Bedfordshire and Luton, from health, police, fire, local authorities, drug and alcohol support services, and criminal justice, committed to prevent mental health crises where possible, and to provide effective emergency response systems when a crisis does occur.

The mental health crisis care concordat was signed at a special event on Thursday at the Rufus Centre, Flitwick.

Dr Judy Baxter, GP and clinical director for mental health, Bedfordshire clinical commissioning group, said: “This concordat gives crisis care in mental health the priority it deserves.

“Over the last few months we’ve been busy collecting ideas on how we can deliver the concordat, and today’s event continued to identify further ideas for Bedfordshire and Luton-wide initiatives and local action plans.

“This county-wide concordat action plan will ensure we can improve all our services for people experiencing a mental health crisis.”