GWENT Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Jeff Cuthbert, has pledged his support to continue developing mental health services in the area.

In support of World Mental Health Day (WMHD) today, the PCC has emphasised the commitment of Gwent Police and his office to providing support for those in crisis.

Gwent Police has established a dedicated Mental Health Support Network, which is a peer support group that any officer or staff member can access internally.

It also has a 'mental health champion' programme that sees volunteers trained to provide peer support and guidance to colleagues who may be living with a mental health condition.

With this year’s WMHD focusing on the theme of ‘workplace wellbeing’ the PCC added that Gwent Police also has schemes to help officers become “resilient to trauma”.

This includes management training for frontline police constables and sergeants exposed to potentially traumatic incidents.

The scheme – funded by the Police Dependants Trust – aims to reduce absence levels, an improved awareness of mental health in the workforce and improved sensitivity in the field.

Mr Cuthbert said: “All of these projects and initiatives are part of the commitment of my office and Gwent Police to support the key principles outlined within the Wales Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat.

“I am committed to investing in and providing excellent support for all individuals living with mental health requirements whether that’s our officers and staff internally or people we come into contact with in the community”.

Other projects include the Police Control Room Clinical Advisor (PCRCA) scheme, which is jointly funded by the PCC office and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and involves mental health specialists working alongside control room operators.

This is aimed at reducing demand on police officers where mental health is an underlying factor, managing risk and harm in relation to mental health crisis and to ensure that appropriate care and support is delivered.

A mental health practitioner – based at the Connect Gwent hub in Blackwood – also continues to provide support for victims of crime with mental health requirements.

Since April 2015, around 250 victims have been referred to the hub for psychiatric help.

Mr Cuthbert added: “One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year and awareness days such as this one play an important role in enhancing people’s understanding about mental health.”