PEOPLE in rural areas can expect a faster response to mental health crises and better care, thanks to a £350,000 grant.

East Lancashire Health Authority successfully bid for the Department of Health cash and will contribute another £160,000 to the scheme.

Two social workers and two community psychiatric nurses will work with a clerical officer outside office hours to help people who are suicidal or distressed, or whose families are worried about them. The team will include one person from an ethnic minority community to reflect Blackburn's population and make the service more accessible to everyone.

Karen Newbigging, mental health services developmental manager said: "There is a taboo about mental health problems. We are trying to make inroads into that and make the service more acceptable."

Covering Blackburn and Darwen, the three-year scheme was developed with Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

"Many factors cause mental health problems, so many agencies are needed for solutions," said Karen. "We are trying to work in partnership with other agencies."

An outreach scheme will provide practical help to people with long-standing mental health problems isolated in Bacup and Whitworth in Rossendale and Longridge in the Ribble Valley.

Two community support workers will help people suffering depression, schizophrenia or problems with paying bills, claiming benefits, shopping or whatever they need.

"It's a very flexible role to help people get on with everyday life," said Karen.

"We have been trying to get mental health services more into the community instead of focusing on hospitals but there are still areas that have difficulty accessing services. These two areas needed special consideration."

Lancashire County Council Social Services, Ribblesdale Primary Mental Health Team and Burnley Health Care NHS Trust helped develop the scheme.

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