PEOPLE with mental health needs in the Alton area can make use of a new service offering community support in venues across the area.

Sanctuary Supported Living’s north Hampshire mental health support service is offering prospective clients surgeries, telephone support, workshops, support in the home and the chance to talk with others managing mental health needs of their own.

The service, which offers support in Alton, Basingstoke and Deane, and Hart and Rushmoor, is part of a pathway of mental health services recently commissioned by Hampshire County Council.

Designed to provide people with mental health needs with a cohesive package of support services, on leaving one service, the pathway ensures clients are automatically referred towards the next stage of their support.

Steve Coare, Sanctuary Supported Living’s area service manager, said: “With an increasing number of people living with mental health issues, we’re delighted to be working with Hampshire County Council and our fellow providers to offer this service.”

The service will also offer crisis support accommodation that can deliver rapid intervention in severe cases, as well as provide strategies for increasing self-reliance and resilience. Further supported housing accommodation will help provide people with the independent living skills they need to find work, training and/or private accommodation.

The pathway will also include similar services in west Hampshire and East Hampshire.

Citizens Advice, well-being centres, district housing teams and community centres are among the public venues offering support sessions.

For more details, call 01256 465334 or e-mail [email protected].