MORE than 50 volunteer cadets from Merseyside Police have received awareness training on how to support people with mental health issues.

Police commissioner Jane Kennedy arranged the training session which was delivered by community engagement officer Michael Berry who specialises in mental health.

The session focused on raising awareness of some conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.

Held at Merseyside Police headquarters in Canning Place, the session also covered the powers police have to help people in mental health crisis and the work which is undertaken by the Synergy team.

The Synergy team's work includes having a dedicated Mental Health liaison officer, providing specialist mental health investigators in Merseyside’s mental health hospitals and running three triage cars, staffed by police officers and mental health practitioners which attend incidents to assess need at the point of crisis.

Ms Kennedy told the Globe: “It’s estimated that one in 10 children and young people will experience mental health problems, so it is essential we talk to young people about their mental and emotional well-being.

“Good mental health enables children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded adults.

“I was pleased to be able to put on this training seminar for our fantastic cadets.

"They do a great job, giving their free time to represent Merseyside Police by volunteering in their local communities.

"This session was a good opportunity to raise their awareness of what mental health issues the police may be called upon to help with, but also to encourage them to look after their own mental well-being and reduce the stigma and discrimination that may be attached to talking about mental health issues."

The volunteer cadet scheme provides an opportunity for youngsters aged between 16 to 18 to get involved with Merseyside Police and learn about the police service with insights and visits to different departments.

To find out more about the cadets visit www.merseyside.police.uk/join-us/roles-within-merseyside-police/police-cadets/