Charity founder Louise Hallett explains why the death of footballer Dalian Atkinson shows us that how the police treat people with mental illness needs to change.

The mental health charity Hammersley Homes founder, asks for a change in how the police treat those suffering from mental health.

The Court reported that Mr Atkinson was suffering from some sort of psychotic episode at the time of his death brought on by a kidney condition.

 One of the two police officers on trial stated that Dalian, unarmed, appeared to be suffering mentally. 

Louise, who founded the charity in 2018, said: “The case of Dalian Atkinson is a tragic one.

Ms Hallett say that she believes that more needs to be done to protect those suffering from mental illness when they commit a crime.

They don’t have a criminal mind; they have a condition. 

” I spend much of my time campaigning for people with mental illnesses who commit crimes due to a psychotic episode.

Ms Hallett says that she thinks mental health sufferer should be directed to the mental health authorities rather than the police.

 “As one so often reads that they are in other countries like Norway, The Netherlands, Switzerland – or better still, if they could be safely housed with permanent support. 

When will we learn from our mistakes? 

When will we learn from other countries’ success stories?

She added: “I belong to a wonderful carer group, and this topic is often raised. 

“There’s supposed to be an Integrated Care Scheme in place bringing all the services like the NHS, Social Services, Housing and Police together.

“But it doesn’t work.  

“The police are not sufficiently trained in mental health care, nor are the prison workers or the Probation Services. 

“The system fails the most vulnerable amongst us in so many ways.

“Perhaps if there was a better system was in place, Dalian Atkinson and others like him might still be with us.”

Hammersley Homes and what they can offer mental health sufferers

Hammersley homes are currently raising funds to open their first supported home in Hampshire.

The aim is to provide a longer-term aim of developing this flexible model nationwide. 

Help with resident needs such as treatment compliance to help with cooking, cleaning, and laundry is available 24/7.

Hammersley is open to non residents with mental health problems enabling help with making new friends, activities and outings.