The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Unique project scoops prestigious award
Frontline emergency and mental health staff in Inverness were praised after a multi-agency project won a prestigious award.
Police, ambulance, hospital psychiatric liaison, primary care and third-sector staff in the city received a mention for their dedication to the Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme after it picked up the Care for Mental Health award.
DBI provides an “ask once – get help fast” early intervention for people in distress or emotional pain, who do not need emergency medical treatment.
Frontline staff often meet people from the area who are emotionally overwhelmed as a result of issues such as bereavement, relationship stress, low mood or financial worries.
Staff are trained to help ease a person’s immediate distress and can refer them for community support, which will be available within around 24 hours.
National DBI programme manager Kevin O’Neill said: “With almost 5,000 people helped nationally so far – including 1,000 in Inverness – I know the biggest validation for our front-line and third-sector staff comes from seeing the difference they are making to people’s lives.
“But I really hope all who have been part of the development and delivery of the DBI programme take a great deal of satisfaction and pride from this recognition.
“This award is for all of them and I’m sure it will inspire and motivate us all to continue to provide the best connected, compassionate support possible.”