A NEW service that aims to revolutionise treatment for people with mental health problems in South Worcestershire has been officially opened.

The innovative Early Intervention Service will target young people in the early stages of psychosis and give them the intensive treatment they need.

It has been established by the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust in conjunction with the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

Based in Britannia Road, Worcester, it is one of the first services of its kind to be set up in the country.

Minister for Health Jacqui Smith MP officially opened the premises yesterday at 3.15pm.

Clinical team manager Steve Wilding believes the new facility will have a great impact on young people during the early stages of their mental health problems.

"This is a critical period when the mortality rate is high," he said.

"They often drop out of education and employment, and they can isolate themselves.

"It's proven that if you engage with them early and teach them how to cope, the results can be very positive."

The team of clinical workers will assess possible psychosis sufferers and decide what treatment they need, before starting on an intensive three-year course with the patient to help them live with their condition.

The service deals with people aged 14 to 35, catering for men who tend to develop the illness in their early 20s and women who start to suffer in their late 20s and early 30s.

It aims to help people who are suffering from distorted perceptions and ideas, have disturbed sleep patterns or suffer panic attacks.

These problems can be hereditary, or can be brought on by stress or trauma.

"We aim to keep people in the community and support them through this trauma," said Mr Wilding.

"I think it will revolutionise the way we deal with people with mental health problems. Never before have we had a service that helps them get through this critical period."

The service will be extended to north Worcestershire once it is established in the south early next year.