A scheme supporting people with mental health issues has been nominated for a national award.

The partnership, which is described as 'ground-breaking' and the first of its kind in the UK, has been brought together by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) and suicide prevention charity, The Martin Gallier Project to provide extra support to local people at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.

It reaches out to people who have attended Arrowe Park emergency department (A&E) with suicidal thoughts or those who have attempted to take their own lives.

People experiencing crisis attending the emergency department or calling the CWP 24/7 Crisis Line will be assessed by specialist mental health practitioners and, if appropriate will be referred to The Martin Gallier Project.

Within 24 hours an experienced suicide prevention specialist from the project will make contact to offer one to one support.

The scheme is nominated for 'Best Mental Health Partnership' category at the upcoming Health Service Journal Partnership Awards, the initiative has already started to make a significant difference to people struggling with their mental health.

Jessica Gallier-Booth, chief executive officer at The Martin Gallier Project, said: "We understand that when people are at crisis point it is often impossible for them to take in information and untangle what comes next in their journey to recovery.

"We feel that offering non-clinical support at this important time is essential for people who might not have the emotional reserves to explore and understand the full breadth of support available to them.

"Each person receives a tailored service, based around their individual needs, including a safety plan. We work together on a recovery journey timeline and offer a safe alternative to emergency departments.”

Nominated in the 'Best Mental Health Partnership' category at the upcoming Health Service Journal Partnership Awards, the initiative has already started to make a significant difference to people struggling with their mental health.

According to the scheme's co-ordinators, 80% of people referred have engaged in treatment and support and of those, there has been a 73% reduction in re-attendance at emergency departments.

Sean Boyle, clinical director for crisis and urgent care at CWP, said: "Working with The Martin Gallier Project in this way means we can offer enhanced support and improved after-care to people and their families following a mental health crisis and ultimately reduce the risk of a reoccurrence.

"Working closely with the clinical teams, The Martin Gallier Project provide personalised support to help people address and resolve non-clinical issues that are exacerbating their mental health such as social factors, self-esteem and skills to support independence and healthy relationships.

"I'd like to thank everybody involved - we all share a joint mission of improving people’s experiences of mental health crisis care and I’m absolutely delighted for the partnership to be recognised in this way by the Health Service Journal Awards."

The awards are due to take place in London on March 23.