A PIONEERING scheme aimed at getting the right help to people suffering mental distress has resulted in a drop in the numbers who end up in police cells.

A Street Triage scheme sees specialist health professionals working on the scene of incidents where there may be vulnerable or ill people needing support.

And the innovative project, led by Dyfed-Powys Police alongside the Hywel Dda University Health Board, has seen mental health detentions to custody across the area fall from 100 in 2014 to 57 last year with figures for Carmarthenshire down from 19 to 10.

The Street Triage was launched in early 2015 after concerns about the increased numbers being detained in cells under the Mental Health Act while the individual waited for assessment.

It is led from Carmarthen’s Dyfed-Powys Police HQ by PC Celt Thomas and mental health clinician Ed McHugh. Its core operating times are 4pm-midnight.

When police officers arrive at an incident the pair are alerted if there is thought to be a mental distress element. Their response ranges from phone advice to attending the incident in their van.

In all cases the aim is to get the appropriate health treatment, advice or guidance for the individual in the right health environment.

As a result, the numbers going to secure health locations is up - from 109 to 141.

This year, as officers’ knowledge widens, it is hoped these numbers will fall and the project has now been extended beyond its pilot year-which ended last December- for a further two.

And the pioneering work has been recognised across Wales and in the NHS Wales Awards for working seamlessly across organisations.

Success was made possible by key support from Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon.

Mr Salmon, who funded two unmarked consultation vans which travel to police incidents, said: “I've seen first-hand the work of this unit. They transform how we deal with the most vulnerable in the midst of crisis.

“By working together, police officers and mental health professionals are able to ensure the public are protected and the sick get treatment in hospital.”

Dyfed-Powys Chief Constable Simon Prince added: “The units provide our communities with mobile and dynamic assessment facilities during mental health detentions.

“The vision is to take bold and innovative steps to provide a better service for people who are suffering with issues relating to their mental health.”