NEW police recruits gained an insight into mental health as part of their induction training at Trafford General Hospital.

The induction week, involving 100 student officers, was also to provide them with an opportunity to patrol and visit their new policing areas.

The new officers met with support groups, partners, community and faith groups as well as getting an opportunity to understand the priorities of the areas they will police in the future.

The two year training programme will include classroom based learning as well as a year of active patrol. While in training,the officers will have the same powers of a regular policeman, including the power of arrest.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins joined the recruits last Friday (June 9), where they met staff from the Moorside Unit, at Trafford General Hospital.

Chief Constable Hopkins said: “The tragic events of the Manchester Arena and London attack highlight how important it is for our new colleagues to become a part of their community, which is why neighbourhood policing is at the heart of our policing in Greater Manchester.

“By familiarising themselves with the issues and diversity alongside their more experienced GMP colleagues they will be better equipped once they are officially posted into their boroughs.

“As a police force we remain committed to keeping the public safe and this recruitment drive along with those planned in future reinforces our commitment to protect the communities of Greater Manchester.”

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust’s director of nursing, Gill Green, said: “Our staff at the unit gave the chief and the recruits a real insight into the service we offer and the people we help to recover.

“Close relationships with our local police officers are vital to the interests of our service users and do so much to break down barriers and the stigma surrounding mental health in our communities.”