A PIONEERING scheme which involves mental health nurses working in police custody suites and courts is being extended to cover both Darlington and Durham City.

As part of a national pilot scheme, mental health nurses have been working in police custody suites and courts on Teesside.

Their aim is to identify and assess a mental health problem, substance misuse, learning difficulty or other vulnerability any individual may have.

Those identified are then supported through the criminal justice system and referred for treatment or support services if required.

It is hoped that the scheme, which is delivered by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys Foundation Trust, will help to reduce re-offending.

After a successful pilot scheme on Teesside it has been extended to the area policed by Durham Constabulary, including both Darlington and Durham City police stations.

TEWV has been commissioned by NHS England to test a new model of liaison and diversion. The model aims to ensure individuals with a vulnerability are provided with the right treatment and support at the earliest possible stage in the criminal justice system.

The service was originally part of the first ten trial schemes commissioned by NHS England from April 2014.

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg said: "This should ultimately result in the reduction of offending and re-offending by these individuals and keep our communities safe and improve their outcome."

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, Barry Coppinger said: “We have helped and supported many people in custody who have learning or communication difficulties, mental health issues, or substance misuse problems among others.

“Liaison and diversion is in its early stages, however the signs are promising, 97 per cent of young people accepted, when offered, liaison and diversion services. Taking a holistic approach to helping vulnerable people not only benefits them, but the agencies supporting them and the wider community.”

Lisa Taylor, head of offender health and community services at TEWV, said: "We are dedicated to the provision of excellent mental health services and working closely with local police and courts will give offenders with mental ill health or a learning disability the opportunity to get the right treatment as quickly as possible.

"We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with Durham Constabulary."