A NEW service has launched providing specialist support to vulnerable adults and young people who have entered the criminal justice system.

It operates within police stations and magistrates courts in County Durham and Darlington to help those suffering such issues as mental health or learning difficulties.

It is run by mental health nurses and other professionals seven days a week to identify and assess adults and young people.

Those identified are then supported through the criminal justice system by the liaison and diversion team and referred for the appropriate treatment or support service.

It is operated by local mental health trust, Tees Esk and Wear Valley and the NHS Foundation Trust in conjunction with Durham Constabulary.

The partnership follows the success of a similar service with Cleveland Police, which has been running since April 2014.

Nearly half of all prisoners have anxiety or depression, and nearly a third of all 13-18 year olds who offend have a mental health issue.

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, a learning disability or other vulnerability, the opportunity to get the right treatment as quickly as possible."

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg added: “It is vitally important that partner agencies work together, to ensure offenders get the treatment they need if they are vulnerable or suffer from poor mental health."