GMFRS enters partnership with Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust written by
News 1408057200
on the 15
th August 2014 at 0:00
- Posted in Fire Blog
TO officially recognise a partnership between Greater
Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Manchester Mental
Health and Social Care Trust (MMHSCT), an official agreement has
been made between the two services.
The two organisations have been working together to improve the
safety and wellbeing of people with mental health needs and first
joined forces in 2009.
GMFRS' Assistant County Fire Officer, Peter O'Reilly, and MMHSCT's
Chief Nurse and Director of Quality Assurance Anita Rolfe signed
the agreement at Fire Service Headquarters in Swinton on Monday,
August 11, 2014.
Director of Prevention and Protection Peter O'Reilly said: "There
are a number of factors which can increase fire risk, and these can
include living alone, chaotic lifestyles, hoarding, use of
substances such as alcohol and drugs, memory impairment and
smoking.
"Some of these factors are often more common for individuals in
contact with mental health services.
"GMFRS has been working with MMHSCT for a number of years after we
discovered that over 30 per cent of people who died in fires across
Greater Manchester were known to mental health services.
"We are delighted that GMFRS and MMHSCT now have a formal
partnership agreement and will ensure that we continue to build on
the excellent foundations that already exist."
The agreement means that GMFRS and MMHSCT can continue to help
members of the community at higher risk from dangers such as fire
in the home and will see GMFRS' community safety staff enter of
houses of even more people to give life-saving advice.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by a mental health
problem, you can contact the charity Mind on 0300 123 3393 or visit
www.mind.org.uk for advice and
support, along with your GP.
If you want to talk to someone call the Samaritans on 08457
909090.