Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) is marking the one-year anniversary of its pioneering Mental Health Response Vehicle (MHRV) service, an initiative providing timely, compassionate and person-centred support for people in mental health crisis in the community.

Launched last year, the MHRV has responded to more than 260 referrals, offering on-scene assessment, support and guidance for adults aged 18 and over.

The service operates Thursday to Sunday, working in close partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), NHS 111, local police, and social care professionals to divert people from unnecessary emergency department visits and provide care in more appropriate settings.

The vehicle is staffed by trained mental health practitioners, including registered mental health nurses and healthcare support workers, who provide a blend of “Hear and Treat” telephone support, screening and advice and “See and Treat” on-the-scene urgent face-to-face mental health advice, support and signposting as appropriate.

The service aims to respond within two hours of referral and supports individuals who are not in need of urgent physical health treatment.

Tanya Hibbert, executive director for mental health services at LPT, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the difference the Mental Health Response Vehicle has made in its first year.

“The vehicle is helping people receive the right support at the right time and in the right setting, which is what good and responsive mental health care should be.”

One patient’s relative shared: “What a great service. Came out to see my really unwell daughter very quickly. The staff handled the situation very well and there was no need to go to A&E.”

A spokesperson from EMAS added: “A well-needed service. Helps prevent patients going to a busy A&E, causing more distress and [also] helps with decision making for what’s best for the patient.”

By reducing avoidable A&E attendances and enabling ambulances to return to physical health emergencies more quickly, the MHRV has improved outcomes across the system.

On the back of this success, it is hoped the service can soon be expanded to seven days a week.