Mental health nurses join police on callouts in Wrexham

Mental health nurses will join police on callouts to get the right medical support to people quicker over the festive period in Wrexham.

The pilot project also aims to cut the number of those with specialist needs from being detained by police.

The new team, which includes paramedics and other specialists, is believed to be the first of its kind in Wales.

North Wales Police, Betsi Cadwaladr health board and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust are behind the project.

Police said street pastors will also provide assistance to people needing help over the festive period in the town centre.

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Health board manager Fleur Evans said a key priority was supporting "vulnerable people in our community who are in crisis".

"We will review the success of this initiative to capture the learning for similar projects in the future," she said.

The project will target adults with mental health problems, learning disabilities, dementia, memory problems as well as substance misuse.

The idea is to work with individuals, their family and friends, local authorities and support organisations.

Ambulance service manager Wayne Davies said it would help patients and take some pressure off the local health service over a busy period.