AN innovative new service to help people feeling overwhelmed by mental health problems has been launched in Inverclyde.

The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, part of the Scottish Government’s mental health strategy, aims to assist individuals out of crisis.

Frontline workers such as police officers, ambulance crews and primary care staff will be trained to help people in distress to cope and refer them to trained third sector agencies who will make contact with them within 24 hours.

Over up to 14 days, the programme provides support to identify challenges in a person’s life, as well as what might help them now and in the future – including establishing connections with people and organisations within their local community.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) will lead the service in Inverclyde, working closely with the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), primary care teams, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Andrea Milligan, their team leader for the DBI service, said: “SAMH has been proud to deliver this support and we’re seeing first-hand the real difference it’s making to people in Inverclyde.

"Over the past few months, we’ve supported over 169 local residents to get the support they need and we know we’ll be able to help many more in the coming months."

The service is being highlighted to coincide with World Mental Health Day, which is on Sunday.

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, said: “Around one in four of us will experience a mental health issue at some point in our lives, so it’s vital that when this happens people have access to the right treatment and support to help them recover as soon as possible.

“The DBI service is a valuable addition to the mental health support services available in Inverclyde being delivered by Inverclyde HSCP and the council."

Inverclyde's most senior police officer says all his officers on the beat will be fully trained in the programme.

Chief Inspector Paul Cameron, area commander, said: “I am committed to this new service and will ensure all operational officers are fully trained in the referral process.

"This is a service that meets the needs of people in crisis and working with the DBI process will enhance our ability to keep people safe.”

The programme was first piloted in 2017 across four areas and since then it has been expanded to other places, including Inverclyde.

The Scottish Government wants to roll it out right across the country by 2024.

Kevin Stewart, minister for mental wellbeing and social care, said: “Distress Brief Intervention is a crucial part of the wide range of actions we are taking to improve public mental health and wellbeing.

“The DBI associate site in Inverclyde will help us in our work towards expanding this programme across Scotland by 2024.”