Right Care Right Person model being rolled out in Surrey

The way 999 calls regarding welfare or mental health concerns for adults are responded is changing across Surrey, as local NHS Trusts, the ambulance service, social care teams, and Surrey Police work together to implement Right Care Right Person (RCRP). 

Right Care Right Person is a national model being rolled out across the UK aimed at ensuring adults with mental health-related concerns get the help they need from the right expert or agency.  Within Surrey, this new approach is being rolled out from 22 April 2024. 

First adopted at Humberside Police, the model recognises that police officers often cannot provide the level of specialist medical care or support required by those seeking help for their mental health. 

Applying Right Care Right Person will not mean withdrawing from all welfare or mental health related calls for adults, and there will many cases where deploying a police officer is the right thing to do. This includes where there is a threat to life, a policing purpose or a clear need for an urgent response. RCRP considerations will only be applied to calls for service relating to adults and will not be applied to calls concerning a child (under 18 years old), or where a child is present. 

Surrey County Council has been working with Surrey Police and local health partners to implement and monitor the impact of the change. 

Further information about Right Care Right Person is available online.