Mental health services anticipate more demand over Christmas

Crisis Referral Team phone line open 24/7

The Island's mental health services are expecting their resources to be stretched in the run up to the new year.

Incidents of people in crisis is traditionally associated with the festive period, which can required a multi-agency response from the third sector as well as the police.

Following the introduction of a pilot project in October, the constabulary have for first time two mental health nurses to deal more effectively with the matter.

Ross Bailey, Manager of Community Mental Health Service for Adults who oversees the operation, says early intervention is key.

If you are in need of any assistance surrounding mental health, you can call the Crises Referral Team on 642860 - their phone line is monitored 24/7.