HAMPSHIRE communities are set to benefit from two new schemes to help drug users quit and cut down on crimes.

Southampton police say about 60 per cent of people arrested for crimes have been using drugs, and have hailed the Arrest Referral scheme and the Divert project as good news for drugs users and the general public.

The two schemes were developed last year and will officially be launched today by government health minister and Southampton Itchen MP John Denham.

The first scheme, based at the Swaythling Clinic in Mayfield Road, Southampton, is provided as a partnership between Southampton Community Health Services NHS Trust and the Surrey and Hampshire Borders NHS Trust.

It offers assessment and counselling at custody suites in Southampton to enable drug users in trouble with the law to access appropriate assessment, treatment and care.

Also based at Swaythling Clinic but operating in Southampton and west Hampshire, the Divert project is a drug-testing and treatment service for people who are referred by the courts.

It is provided through a partnership between the city council's social services department, the health authority and Hampshire Probation Service.

The scheme will work like a probation order.

Phil Martin, general manager for mental health services in Southampton, who has spearheaded the new services, said: "Many drug-users referred to the Divert project will find the programme very challenging.

"They will have to surrender themselves to frequent and random testing to ensure they are complying with the conditions of their orders."

The project follows pilots of three similar schemes around the country, which were successful in cutting crime.

Inspector Dave Hardcastle, from Southampton Police, said: "Both of these schemes will help to reduce the number of people dependent on drugs, which will actually decrease crime."