North Wales Police’s new Mountain Rescue Support Team has been praised.

MP Liz Saville Roberts described it as a pioneering initiative that could set an example for other forces at a time when mountain rescue services face record demand.

Designed to support established mountain rescue organisations, the new team will assist during call-outs involving vulnerable individuals, particularly where there are concerns for a person's mental health and wellbeing. Officers will deploy alongside volunteer mountain rescue teams when specialist policing skills, training or legal powers may be required.

The team comprises around 18 specially trained officers. 

Speaking after a visit to the team in Nant Peris, the MP said: “As a member of the APPG for Volunteer Rescue, I have long spoken up for the invaluable work carried out by mountain rescue teams.

“Their commitment, expertise and willingness to put themselves in harm's way deserve the highest praise.

“I was pleased to meet officers from North Wales Police's new Mountain Rescue Support Team alongside Llanberis MRT volunteers and hear about the specialist training they've undertaken alongside their existing policing duties. This innovative team is not intended to replace or duplicate the work of volunteer mountain rescue teams. Rather, it will provide additional support during incidents involving vulnerable individuals, particularly where mental health concerns, welfare issues or policing powers are a significant factor.

“We have seen mountain rescue call-outs rise dramatically in recent years, placing increasing pressure on volunteers and emergency services.

“Teams are also increasingly being called upon to support vulnerable people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns, adding a further dimension to the demands they face.

“This new team will strengthen the already excellent partnership between North Wales Police, mountain rescue organisations, and other emergency services. Working collaboratively with partner organisations will ensure resources can be deployed quickly and effectively when needed. I congratulate Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, and everyone involved in developing this pioneering model. North Wales is leading the way, and this initiative has the potential to provide a template for forces and rescue services elsewhere.”

Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn said it was a pleasure meeting the MP.

Jurgen Dissman, Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team Chair said: “As a volunteer mountain rescue team operating in one of the busiest mountainous areas in the UK, we are experiencing first-hand the growing demands on our volunteers, both in the volume and complexity of call-outs. “Our primary role is to assist people in difficulty in the mountains, but some incidents involve vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing mental health crises.

“These situations can be particularly challenging and require specialist support and expertise that police officers are trained to provide. Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team already has a close working relationship with North Wales Police, and this dedicated support team will further strengthen that partnership. This initiative is not about replacing the work of mountain rescue teams but ensuring we have the appropriate support to respond safely and effectively to complex incidents.

“We are grateful to Liz Saville Roberts for her support and continued recognition of the challenges facing mountain rescue volunteers and for championing and supporting this initiative that could make a real difference.”