A PILOT scheme has been launched in Carlisle to improve the response to people suffering from a mental health crisis.

Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), which provides mental health services in North Cumbria, is working alongside Cumbria Police on the scheme which sees clinicians and police officers team up to respond appropriately.

The service, known as the Street Triage Team, has been running since the beginning of May - and with promising results.

People the team have supported have commented: "I felt listened to when I needed support,” “They listen and help you make a plan,” and “They made me feel reassured and safe.”

While the team is new to Cumbria, CNTW have partnered with Northumbria Police for several years to deliver a similar service in the north east.

Cumbria Police's temporary detective superintendent Dan St Quintin believed the pilot was extremely important.

He said: "The constabulary has seen a continued increase in the number of calls for service in which people are in crisis and are potentially a harm to themselves or others.

“These are often complex and difficult situations, however as a force our priority is to keep people safe. The Street Triage Team allows us and partners to get people in crisis the correct and most appropriate support for them.

“This pilot is an example of the continuing work we are doing with our partner agencies to address and understand the demand around mental health.

“This pilot may show that this new approach improves services and outcomes for our communities, which I really welcome.”

The street triage team is made up of two senior registered mental heath nurses and two experienced police officers. All have undertaken intensive training and will work in pairs, with a pair on duty during all operating hours.

Through this pilot CNTW and Cumbria Police are hoping to reduce unnecessary police detention of people in crisis.