Our first 'Ask the Chief Constable' Q&A session
Date added: 20 January 2025
Last updated: 20 January 2025
We recently welcomed Kent Police Chief Constable Tim Smith and Deputy Chief Constable Peter Ayling at our Littlebrook Hospital and the Allington Centre. They toured the facilities and engaged with some of our frontline acute and forensic care staff. Sheila hosted a Q&A session titled "Ask the Chief Constable," creating an opportunity to discuss what matters most to our staff.
During their visit, both Chief Constable Tim Smith and Deputy Chief Constable Peter Ayling, shared insights and welcomed questions from our staff. They highlighted the significant advancements in policing and the importance of supporting mental health. They also reflected on the "Right Care, Right Person" initiative and discussed how they support vulnerable individuals and communities.
Tim Smith, Chief Constable of Kent Police, stated, "As a force, we remain committed to ensuring that those in distress receive the most appropriate care and support. When Sheila invited me to visit Littlebrook Hospital and the Allington Centre, I saw this as a valuable opportunity to observe how some of the trust's services operate daily. Our partnership is ongoing, and we must work together to continually improve our support for vulnerable individuals, my officers, and the staff from the trust."
The "Ask the Chief Constable" event was a valuable opportunity for our staff to share their concerns and engage in conversation about the issues that matter most to them.
Tim reflected on his 30 years in policing and the changes he has witnessed during that time. In the past, there was minimal training available for supporting individuals struggling with mental health issues. Today, comprehensive training equips officers with the knowledge and skills needed to assist those in distress.
It was reassuring for our staff to hear from both Chief Constable Tim Smith and Deputy Chief Constable Peter Ayling, who made it clear that any form of abuse, including racial abuse, is unacceptable.
Strengthening our partnership with Kent Police is essential as we strive to improve care for our most vulnerable individuals. We will also explore how they can support our staff and how we can assist their officers.
