THREE new mental health teams have been set up in Wiltshire. The teams will cover Kennet, North Wiltshire, Swindon and West Wiltshire and have been set up by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

The new teams are part of the modernisation of mental health services and follow the closure of 15 rehabilitation beds at Green Lane Hospital in Devizes. The closure of the beds and the new teams are central to the trust's aim of treating people with mental illness in the community.

Two crisis teams will provide assessment of people experiencing mental distress and offer home treatment.

The teams, consisting of doctors, nurses, social workers and support staff, will be available seven days a week, 24 days a day. If someone is experiencing mental health problems during the night there are professionals on call. The teams are based at Green Lane Hospital, in Devizes, and Sandalwood Court in Swindon.

An community treatment team is working in Kennet, North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire for people who have a significant mental health problem such as severe bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

The team will work with people who are currently being cared for by mental health services but who would benefit from additional help.

The team will work with clients on a long-term basis, typically for 12 to 18 months and will provide help with shopping, financial management, accommodation and general health.

Malcolm Sinclair, director for Wiltshire and Swindon mental health services for the trust, said the move to treat more people in the community was in line with Department of Health guidance.

Mr Sinclair said: "Our new teams will have a significant impact on the services that we offer to people."