Life-saving Wirral initiative

A special partnership, the first of its kind in the UK, between CWP and Wirral-based suicide prevention charity, The Martin Gallier Project, was recognised by the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards.

The project supports people who have attended Arrowe Park accident and emergency (A&E) in Wirral with suicidal thoughts or have attempted to take their own lives. People experiencing crisis attending A&E or calling the CWP 24/7 Crisis Line will be assessed by specialist mental health practitioners and, if appropriate, be referred to The Martin Gallier Project. Within 24 hours an experienced suicide prevention specialist from the project will be in touch to offer one-to-one support.

Nominated in the ‘Best Mental Health Partnership’ category the initiative has already started to make a significant difference to people struggling with their mental health.

80% of people referred have engaged in treatment and support and of those, there has been a 73% reduction in re-attendance at emergency departments.

Sean Boyle, clinical director for crisis urgent care, says:

“Working with The Martin Gallier Project in this way means we can offer enhanced support to people and their families following a mental health crisis and reduce the risk of a reoccurrence.

“Working closely with clinical teams, The Project aims to resolve nonclinical issues that are exacerbating a person’s mental health. I’d like to thank everybody involved and I’m delighted for the partnership to be recognised by the HSJ.”