For various reasons that aren’t important to explain, I’m considering requests to do some live broadcast ‘stuff’ on policing, mental health and criminal justice. Especially, focussing on the legal side of all this and mainly for the emergency services. That said, I found this BLOG had wider appeal despite original aiming it at police officers, so live broadcasts may be the same. I know they are various ‘proper’ platforms and CPD portals by which this could be done, but I’ll be honest: I can’t be faffed with it all!! Facebook Live can be turned on in a flash and just done if or when mood suits or as time allows. It also remains on the internet to be viewed later.
This post is just to quickly canvass the idea of doing this sort of thing via Facebook Live, in short bite-sized bits. One subject at a time like ‘section 136’ or ‘AWOL patients’ or ‘the Mental Capacity Act’, etc., etc.. There are various quick points to make about this and any feedback is gratefully received in comments below about how to do this or what to cover.
- If we did this on Facebook Live, it means people could type in questions as I’m going through whatever introductory remarks or important points I’m trying to emphasise.
- I’d could pick just one subject per broadcast (as suggested in examples, above) and do something on it quickly (10mins) with about another 10mins or more for answering any questions.
- Could also do sessions that are either a general Q&A or an emphasis on things like the interface with the the public the police are here to serve, the ambulance service, AMHPs or mental health nurses, inpatient settings, etc., etc..
- Not sure I would want to do this and run it for anything more than 20-30mins maximum as I think people will drift off, including me! Easier to do things quickly and informally, potentially less staged and fake, too!
- If I put out pre-Live post to advertise the time I’m doing it, people who can’t join in live could still get questions in via that post which I could answer during the broadcast, in addition to those asked ‘live’.
- The live post on Facebook would then remain on the ‘MentalHealthCop’ page I have for MH related stuff and this means it could be viewed after the broadcast for those who couldn’t make it on the night / day.
- And crucially! – how frequently should I do this?! Nothing more than weekly as I doubt I’d have time to fit it in, frankly. But perhaps fortnightly would be best – or not! What do you think?!
I’m asking whether this is a worthwhile addition to the social media stuff I do already, because it was suggested that some interactive ‘CPD’ on social media would be helpful. If others agree, then I’ll happily consider how / when we do it but also would want you help, as above to shape it.
And finally! – would daytime during the normal working week be best (I’m thinking there of 999 shift workers who might prefer it in the mornings when they’re not at work), or evenings. Or does it matter if people can fire in questions in advance, get them answered and watch the broadcast at their convenience?
Happy to do it whatever way or not do it at all, but obviously I’d be keen to try to make this as convenient and useful as possible for whoever might be interested if the idea does have merit and add value for you.
If you don’t already follow me on social media or know how to access the Facebook page where this would happen, it’s available at –
http://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcop
Let me know your thoughts.
.
Michael./
Winner of the President’s Medal,
the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Winner of the Mind Digital Media Award
All opinions expressed are my own – they do not represent the views of any organisation.
(c) Michael Brown, 2019
I try to keep this blog up to date, but inevitably over time, amendments to the law as well as court rulings and other findings from inquests and complaints processes mean it is difficult to ensure all the articles and pages remain current. Please ensure you check all legal issues in particular and take appropriate professional advice where necessary.
Government legislation website – http://www.legislation.gov.uk
Mental Health Cop 
I’m in the happy position of being absolutely no one. But, that won’t shut me up.
I’d be delighted and appreciative of any advice you can offer – more importantly I imagine those on the front line would be more than happy and reassured to have such a resource. Maybe a ten minute reminder/clarification of complex issues/alert of current issues/handy hints/et cetera – and at a regular fortnightly slot, would be most welcome. I’m thinking it would also be handy for officers to have such recordings to show to any relevant yet bewildered NHS staff should the need arise.
I wish your initiative well.
I am trying to think of a way to put this diplomatically but for this to be a useful medium you woukd need to find away to make the target audience of the initial broadcast (where questions are asked live) to be one with a basic understanding of the issues you are trying to address.
There are of course no stupid questions but there are questions from those with no understanding of MH Law which if asked at the begining of a presentation would either have to be ignored or detail the presentation.
Just my thoughts.
Perfectly fair comment, Matthew – had considered that, in roughly those words. I’m thinking that the way of wording announcements about it’s scheduling will be key to generating that correct audience, perhaps a blog post in advance of the particular session outlining what’s in / out / possible?! … will keep thinking. No need for diplomacy – I think we’ve bounced along on social media well enough for a few years now!
Short and snappy for me, 10/15 mins max – will have a chance of watching it whilst on mealbreak then. Any time of day. Your examples of subjects are perfect. As for frequency, I’d suggest ad-hoc. Don’t put more pressure on yourself to take more on however when the opportunity presents itself or you feel a particular subject needs some input just do one. Your blog was recommended as part of my paramedic course a few years ago – look forward to seeing you at College of Paramedics Best Practice Day in March
Having taken part in a Facebook Live event, I think it would be best to do them either fortnightly or monthly, and to put out both a blog post and an FB post a week before with the topic and an opportunity to get questions in in advance of the session.
Thanks for that – most helpful. I had similar thoughts about pre-notice of content / timing. I also think less is better, in terms of frequency.
I think this is an excellent idea, would give forces and individuals an opportunity to contextualise live examples and learn from each other?