One in four Londoners will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime.

Police frequently encounter persons with mental ill health who are involved in crime, as victims or suspects, as well as people who are in crisis in their home or in a public place.

Officers also support our partners such as the London Ambulance Service, hospitals and local authority teams undertaking mental health assessments in private premises.

A large number of people detained in custody have a mental health condition and require assessments and subsequent care plans. There are also instances of people who come to police attention through repeat/nuisance calls and anti-social behaviour reports whom we signpost and refer to more appropriate services.

Police officers and staff are trained and equipped to recognise those suffering from mental ill health following training programmes and awareness events. The Met is currently trialling a small number of specialist mental health teams.

Inspector Eliana Usher, of the Met's Mental Health team, said: "Because individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in a public place can be detained by the police under section 136, officers are often the first step into the crisis care system.

"With the commitment of our partner agencies across the capital, we have a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen links to health and care services and help solve some of the issues that cause delays that can profoundly impact some of London's most vulnerable people's lives."

As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Met wants to make Londoners aware of some the services available to them.

Mental Health Charity, Mind, give this advice on how to help someone you feel may be suicidal

You might feel unsure of what to do, but there are lots of things that might help. You could:

Encourage them to talk about their feelings

Encourage them to seek treatment and support

Offer emotional support

Offer practical support

Help them think of ideas for self-help

Help them to make a support plan

The following services can provide support:

- Samaritans on 116123 (available 24hrs a day)

- Mind on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 (available 09:00 to 18:00hrs Monday to Friday)

- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) on 0800 585858 (between 17:00 and 00:00hrs)

- Childline on 0800 1111 (for all aged under 19yrs)

- The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090 (for elderly people)