WORCESTERSHIRE is leading the way in handling people in police custody under the Mental Health Act, according to the organisers of a health initiative.

Worcestershire Health and Care Trust's partnership with police has been cited as a good practise example by the national Crisis Care Concordat.

Figures show that in the period between 2011 and 2012, 96 people detained under the act were taken by officers to a police cell.

This figure has reduced dramatically in the years since, with the figure between 2014 and 2015 showing only 11 were held in a police cell.

The trust has highlight this as it is an 88 per cent reduction, pointing out many more are now treated in a specialist unit instead of a cell.

The trend is also continuing as the year to date figure shows only two people have so far been held in a cell.

The concordat is an agreement between services and agencies setting out how organisations will work together to make sure people get the help they need when they are having a mental health crisis.

On its website, Crisis Care Concordat writes: "This good practice example (is) about improving the patient experience of detentions.

"This reflects the success of local multi-agency working and the strength of relationships."

In a specialist unit those held receive care and support from trained mental health nurses who specialise in helping people experiencing a mental health crisis get the treatment they need.

The trust says the reduction is a result of the strong link between the trust and police, as well as improved training for officers.

Mark Dickens, head of adult mental health at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: “We are really pleased to see such a big reduction in the amount of people being taken to police cells.

"Whilst a police cell is a safe place it is often not the best place for someone experiencing a severe mental health episode and it can in some circumstances exacerbate issues and fears.

"We have got a dedicated suite at our Elgar Unit which can look after children, young people and adults and can support three people at any one time.

"We can provide people with the specialist help and support they need.”