A HAMPSHIRE scheme which helps patients in complex mental health situations has been awarded a prestigious, royally endorsed, national accolade.

Over 18 months Serenity Integrated Mentoring focused on six patients struggling with their behaviour.

Now the scheme, run ran by Hampshire Constabulary, Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Wessex Academic Health Science Network, has been was revealed as the winner of the HRH The Prince of Wales Award for Integrated Approaches to Care at this year’s Nursing Times awards in London.

The project was recognised for its work helping to reduce the number of crisis calls to the police and ambulance, for lowering the amount of false, malicious or unnecessary reasons for people in mental health situations attending emergency departments and for its success in helping exhausted family members feel more reassured and involved in the recovery of their relatives.

Mental health nurses, involved in the scheme, also reported less abusive behaviour and an improvement on their working relationships. It was also noted that patients felt more motivated and willing to improve with healthier choices.

Sergeant Paul Jennings, who leads the initiative, said: “We’re striving to continue transforming perceptions of people with mental health needs to build a better understanding of someone’s behaviour, and the most effective treatment provided by the whole public sector.”

Judge, Carol Kefford said: “Lives have been changed, not only for the service users but for their loved ones, their communities and for those who had previously managed their care.”