A PIONEERING new mental health service for people living in Southampton has been launched by city MP John Denham.

Known as the home treatment service, the scheme is the first of its kind in south Hampshire to offer round-the-clock rapid response care and support to people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Mr Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "The home treatment service will give people access to a service hardly imaginable 20 years ago. It is a fantastic achievement."

The new service, which aims to prevent the need for hospital admission, deals with everything from psychological help to more practical support like housing and money issues.

It has been developed by Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust, Southampton City Primary Care Trust and Southampton City Council's social services department.