WESTBURY Town Council staff and councillors are set to undergo mental health awareness training, to better help those that approach them with mental health concerns.
The town council, who have been hosting a warm space in The Laverton over the winter months, say a recent incident has highlighted the need for additional training for those in the council. The proposal was approved by councillors at a meeting of the full town council on Monday 9th January.
In the proposal, the town council say, “The council is participating in the national warm space scheme, and we are opening our building to anyone who needs somewhere to keep warm during the day.
“Unfortunately, a visitor with significant mental health issues recently gave staff cause for concern and highlighted the need for further training to help us understand how we should approach visitors with mental health issues and more importantly, how to avoid making the situation worse.
“We have also had visitors to the office who told staff they felt suicidal, been raped, or have displayed threatening behaviour, as well as homeless adults and teenagers. We have staff based within the community working alone, who may encounter someone with mental health issues and councillors are also active within the community and may come across people with mental health issues.”
