Police in central north district undertake accidental counsellor training

The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN), Lifeline Central West and the Central North NSW Police District joined forces to offer the training to general duties officers and detectives.

They are reported to be "often the first" to respond to mental health related calls in the police district.

Participants learned about common mental health conditions, the role of alcohol and drug use in a crisis situation, and how to better identify a situation and "what supports are required".

The course aimed to improve the confidence, skills and knowledge of police officers and detectives when responding to events related to mental health, suicide and non-suicidal self-injury.

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Central North NSW Police District Superintendent Andrew Hurst said the training was "absolutely vital" for his team.

"Police are receiving more calls regarding mental health than ever before and our frontline workers need the knowledge and skills to be able to effectively de-escalate a crisis so that further medical or psychological support can be sought," he said.

"Our police district has its own unique challenges and so gaining access to locally-developed, evidence-informed training through the PHN and Lifeline Central West has been beneficial for our team."

The WNSW PHN acting chief executive officer Robert Strickland said the training would be a "potential lifesaver".

"Training first responders to respond confidently and competently to a suicidal crisis is an important component of a systems-based suicide prevention program," he said.

Lifeline Central West Dubbo Centre manager Cate Whiteley said through a "shared desire to manage the physical and psychological well-being of both police responders and individuals in crisis, risks were discussed, myths were dispelled, and support gaps were identified".

Lifeline can be contacted at 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at beyondblue.org.au .

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