A TEAM of Special Constables who give up their own time to support those experiencing a mental health crisis have been nominated for a prestigious national award.

The Lord Ferrers Award is hosted by the government and highlights the vital role volunteers play in support of policing. The awards were established by Lord Ferrers, the former Home Office Minister.

Essex Police’s Mental Health Street Triage Team has been shortlisted for the Special Constabulary Team award.

Between January and August this year, the team of 14 Special Constables spent 1,400 hours of their time on duty staffing Essex Police’s two mental health triage cars.

They work alongside a team of six regular officers and provide key support during periods of leave and training.
The cars are staffed from 10am to 2am seven days a week with one trained police officer and one mental health nurse.