Following the publication of a letter from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives on the Right Care, Right Person Partnership (RCRP), Mental Health Matters have expressed their support for some of the issues raised in the letter.

Commenting on behalf of Mental Health Matters, the Director for Development, Sarah Wileman said:

We welcome the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives' highlighting some of the challenges for those in the health and social care sector stemming from the Right Care, Right Person Partnership.

It is evident that in some parts of the country, the pace of the implementation hasn't been in keeping with the RCRP's commitment to hold constructive engagement with health bodies and providers. In our experience close working relationships lead to a more cohesive approach.

As a provider of mental health crisis services we know what a vital role the VCSE can play in supporting statutory services to ensure that people do get the right care from the right person. So whilst we remain broadly supportive of the initial principles laid out in the RCRP, it's crucial for this partnership to succeed that crisis alternatives are properly resourced to ensure that those in need of support can receive it in a timely manner.

We hope to see indication in the coming months that the recent and pending reforms to mental health pathways will help alleviate the concerns of health providers and emergency responders alike."