PEOPLE with mental health problems are to benefit from 17 new workers who will focus on patients' recovery.

The support, time and recovery workers (STRs) will work in a variety of settings, including hospital wards and units across the area.

They will assist patients with general living, such as carrying out household tasks, setting up home, baking, banking, making a cup of tea or looking for employment.

Their recruitment, across health and social services, is part of a national project to support people with mental health problems.

Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust's target is to appoint 56 STRs across its area by October 2006 to meet a national target of 3,000.

Of the recently appointed staff, 15 will work as part of community mental health teams and two in in-patient services in the Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough areas.