INFORMATION SHEET

Study title: The Street Triage Project

I would like to invite you to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether to take part, I would like to provide you with some information about why the study is being done and what is involved if you decide to take part. Please do not hesitate to contact me on the details at the bottom of this sheet if you require further information about the research or have any issues or concerns you would like to raise.

1.	What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study is to examine the delivery of Street Triage teams in England. Street Triage is where a mental health worker accompanies a police officer to incidents which they have been called to attend when it is reported that a person may need help with their mental health. The research is seeking to understand how Street Triage teams operate and what people who have experienced care from the service think about it. 

2.	Why have I been invited? 

You have been invited to participate in this project due to your previous contact with the Sheffield Street Triage Team.

3.	Do I have to take part? 

No. It is up to you to decide if you would like take part and while your participation is greatly appreciated, it is entirely voluntary. 

4.	What will happen to me if I take part? 

If you decide to take part, you will meet with the researcher at a mutually convenient time and place. You are welcome to bring someone with you to the interview if you would like. The researcher will begin by talking you through the research and will be happy to provide any further information and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sign a consent form before the interview starts to state that you are happy to take part. The researcher will then talk to you about your experience with the Sheffield Street Triage Team. This is an informal process and you can withdraw at any time without consequence. The interview will last approximately an hour. At the end of the interview you will be provided with a copy of this information sheet to keep. If you have questions once the interview has been completed, you can contact Rivka on the details below. 

5.	Expenses and payments 

You will not be paid for participating in the project and it does not cost you anything to take part.

6.	What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?

It is not anticipated that participating in the research will disadvantage you, aside from the time it takes to meet with the researcher. If, however, you are affected in anyway by taking part in the research and talking about your experiences, there is a Sheffield Mental Health Helpline you can call for support on 0808 801 0440. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls from landlines are free. Many mobile phone providers will not charge you, however, please be aware that this is not always the case. You can also contact The Samaritans for free, if you need to talk to someone confidentially on 0114 276 7277. It is also advisable to contact your GP or mental health worker if you have one. 

7.	What are the possible benefits of taking part? 

It is hoped that this research will benefit people who may come in to contact with the Street Triage team in the future. In previous research on Street Triage, the views of service users have not been included. This is an opportunity for you to share your experiences to help Street Triage teams understand how best to deliver this kind of service in the future.

8.	What if there is a problem or I want to complain? 

If you have any complaints about the project in the first instance you can contact Rivka Smith, whose contact details are provided below. If you would prefer to speak to someone independent, you can contact The University of Sheffield Research Ethics and Integrity Officer via the following email:  L.V.Unwin@sheffield.ac.uk. 

9.	Will my taking part in the project be kept confidential? 

Yes. Taking part in the research is totally anonymous, which means no one will know you have taken part. You will not be identified in the project and neither will the NHS Trust or police service who provided the Street Triage service. Everything you say will be treated with the strictest of confidence. Please be aware that in exceptional circumstances, such as where the researcher has reason to believe that there is a serious risk of harm to you or somebody else, or there is risk or disclosure of a crime being committed, the researcher has a legal obligation to share this information with the relevant authorities. 

10.	What will happen to the results of the research project?

Results of the research will be published. You will not be identified in any report or publication. If you wish to be given a copy of any reports resulting from the research, please email Rivka and ask to put you on the circulation list. 

11.	Who is organising and funding the project? 

The Chief Investigator for this project is Rivka Smith, a PhD student from The University of Sheffield. The study is being funded by the University of Sheffield School of Law as part of a Doctoral Research Project. 

12.	Who has reviewed this project?

 This project has been reviewed by the Heath Research Authority (HRA), NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG), to protect your safety, rights, wellbeing and dignity. The project has been given a favourable opinion by the Committees.  
  
13.	Further information and contact details 

If you have any questions or queries, please contact: 

Rivka Smith                            rsmith3@sheffield.ac.uk

Thank you for taking time to read this information sheet.