PEOPLE with mental health difficulties are benefiting from a co-ordinated housing, health and social services initiative, it has been claimed.

Worcestershire County Council said the Accommodation Action Group service was seen as breaking down barriers between departments and help with new housing developments.

The service is co-ordinated by Paul Ruby-Wilson, of FCH Housing and Care, whose post is funded by county social services.

Council mental health service manger Jennifer Jaynes said: "John Goulding from the Chartered Institute of Housing Good Practice Unit recently visited Paul and was so impressed by the good work being done he wrote a piece on their out and about website praising the service.

"Paul has done some very good work and the outcomes of these groups are continuing to develop in a positive manner.

"They are an extremely effective tool in each of the localities."