What is #MORSE?

#MORSE is an innovative safer roads initiative that is funded by West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner's Office.

The aim is to reduce the harm caused on the roads of West Mercia by reducing the number of collisions, serious injuries and deaths across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

#MORSE is a partnership between the charity YSS, Hereford, Worcester and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia Police.

Watch our short video, to give a shapshot of what #MORSE is about:

How does it work?

What makes #MORSE different?

Many Road Safety projects look only at the person's driving skills, these include journey goals, traffic skills and vehicle skills. #MORSE also addresses these areas by using a Safer Driving Behaviour Change model.

What makes this service different is that it also looks at the person as a whole, taking into account their

• Social Environment 
• Goals for Life and Living Skills 

This is a bite-size programme delivered in one to one sessions over a number of weeks. It can be arranged by video call, phone call or face to face when necessary. The programme looks at the areas identified above but it is done interactively and is tailored to each person’s circumstances.  

Accessing Support:

Anyone can access the support. You can access this support by either: 

• Self-Referral 
• Asking your Liaison and Diversion worker while in custody or after you have left custody  
• Asking a Police Officer if you are stopped at the road side  
• By speaking to your Drug and Alcohol worker or Social Prescriber   
• Or if you are on Probation you can ask your Offender Manager  

Referral forms are to be sent to [email protected]  

Family and friends concerned about someone’s driving can also refer by calling Chris on 07717 766153 

You will receive support from a named person who will support you throughout your time with us. If you also undertake the Driving element you may be working with 2 people each one providing different support.  

Please take a look at our eLearning modules on the effect of driving and:

• Cocaine
• Cannabis
• Alcohol
• Speed

Available at:  http://emorse.org/ 

About Operation Snap 

As part  of Operation Snap members of the public are encouraged to submit digital footage showing potential traffic offences.  This can range from driving dangerously or carelessly, using a mobile phone whilst driving to overtaking on solid white lines.  All submissions are dealt with proactively to help reduce risk taking and poor driving on our counties roads.

Case studies

Alfie has been receiving support from his #MORSE link worker, Verity, since December 2019, following a driving conviction. Since January, Alfie has been recovering from a life-changing spinal injury while proceeding through the criminal justice system. He has recently been discharged from hospital and is continuing rehabilitation in temporary supported accommodation while waiting for permanent resettlement. Verity has been helping Alfie manage his debts, has provided a character reference which is essential to help him find suitable accommodation, and has drafted emails to the Magistrates Court regarding his upcoming court appearance which he was unable to do with his injury. She has also provided mental health support for Alfie's anxiety and been a 'listening ear' for him when he felt isolated and alone. 

Since the Coronavirus lockdown, I have felt let down by other services. I have been receiving phone calls from different people each week. This has made me feel like a tick box number and has meant I've had to continuously repeat myself. Verity has helped avoid these repeated conversations, allowing me to establish a better rapport with these services. Also, the mental health support I was receiving, ended since the lockdown and I had limited contact with friends and relatives. Verity has put this support back in place through YSS, which is really helping me get through this hard time.

After receiving three speeding fines within a couple of months of each other, Emma decided that she needed to tackle her negative driving habits, and got in touch directly with #MORSE. After losing her job, she had been struggling with depression for several years and had debts which needed paying off. Together, Emma and her MORSE Link worker developed a support plan which included counselling, workshops on budgeting skills and employability skills.  Emma was referred to the fire service, who supported her to think about the consequences her driving may have on herself and others. Emma is feeling that she is moving forward more positively with her life and is less stressed, both on and off the road.

I knew that I needed to do something, and get some help, but I wasn't sure where to go. My keyworker has really supported me and hasn't judged or criticised me, and I have found the counselling really helpful. I don't feel so alone in all this.

Martin was referred to #MORSE via Operation Snap. He is 25 and has been drinking heavily since he was 17. He has difficult relationships with his family and dropped out of college before completing his course. He has been convicted of drink driving and there was a concern that he will continue down a self destructive path without the right help. Martin’s #MORSE link worker has been working with him to address the main issues, including his drinking and relationships; the fire service has been looking at his driving behaviour and helping him identify the triggers that cause him to drink and drive. Since taking part in #MORSE, Martin has become more in control of his drinking; he has joined a gym and taken it upon himself to get back into college.

MORSE has helped me realise that how I feel affects the way I drive. I’m feeling much more positive and in control of my life now and have cut right back on the drinking.

Contact #MORSE

For further information please contact:

Chris Cosgrove – Team Manager

[email protected]

07717 766153