A PILOT scheme to help those suffering from mental illness has been launched in Hambleton.

Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is funding the scheme to provide care to people suffering from mental illness out of hours.

Northallerton-based charity Mental Health Support in Hambleton and Richmondshire will provide the service, which will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 4pm and 9pm.

Mental Health Support provides support, advice and guidance in a safe and comfortable environment.

The service provides support to anyone experiencing mental ill health, and is led by experienced mental health professionals and supported by volunteers.

Dr George Campbell, vice chairman and mental health lead for the CCG, said: “We’re delighted to be investing in Mental Health Support through our very popular Small Grants Scheme, through which we fund small but vital services across our patch.

“The service complements existing mental health provision and we hope it will provide an important service.”

“The project builds on the £1 million-plus extra investments made by the CCG over the past couple of years and demonstrates how seriously we take local mental healthcare provision.

“This includes the Place of Safety at the Friarage Hospital which opened in 2014; Liaison Psychiatry which is now operating a seven-day, 12 hour service; and new jobs to look at mental health care pathways, in particular dementia.”

One of the main aims of the pilot is to cut admissions to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton due to mental health crisis - as well as helping reduce A&E waiting times.

Every year Mental Health Awareness Week promotes mental health and wellbeing issues, led nationally by the Mental Health Foundation.

Since 2000 it has helped generate public debates around how anxiety, sleep deprivation and exercise can impact our mental health, with this year’s theme being mindfulness.

North Yorkshire County Council is also promoting mental health awareness with new initiatives includes Men in Sheds – a project which encourages men to get together and share practical activities; pop-up community cafes in rural areas; and a Hearing Voices group to help people with schizophrenia manage the condition.

County councillor Clare Wood, North Yorkshire’s executive member for adult social care and integration said: “North Yorkshire is England’s largest county with sparse and ageing populations and we are working with our partners and communities in many innovative ways to support those who are vulnerable, isolated and lonely to manage their mental health so they can continue to lead fulfilling lives as part of families and communities.”