Prince William praises innovative work for mental health in policing

Local pioneering mental health work, and current NIA fellow, Serenity Integrated Monitoring (SIM) was recognised during a national conference attended by Prince William this week.

 Project lead, Sergeant Paul Jennings, and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust mental health innovations lead Vicki Haworth (who comprise the core SIM team) took part in a conversation with the Duke of Cambridge and leading professionals from policing and health in Oxford where the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and College of Policing hosted the event.

You can read Prince William’s speech to the conference by clicking here.

The conference provided an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the pioneering solutions being progressed for the police and public to have greater confidence in seeking support for situations and symptoms involving mental health. SIM was was introduced to the Isle of Wight in 2013 by Hampshire Constabulary, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Wessex Academic Health Science Network (AHSN).

The introduction of SIM has helped individuals and their families understand distinctive conditions, enabling changes for the better in their lives.

SIM combines the expertise and experience of NHS mental health staff and police officers in providing bespoke care for an individual while setting firm boundaries for improvements in their behaviour and prospects.

This intervention has also contributed to a drop in 999 calls and reduced pressures on emergency services on the Isle of Wight.

The results achieved have led to this integrated care model being recommended by the NHS nationally for development in other parts of the country. Find out more on our SIM project pages. You can also view a video about the project here. 

Photograph description: Prince William (left), Sergeant Paul Jennings (centre left) and Vicki Haworth (centre right) listen to the College of Policing’s mental health lead Inspector Michael Brown OBE (next to Vicki Haworth) speaking during a networking session at the conference.