People suffering an unexpected mental illness crisis, including schizophrenic episodes, will be able to get access to help at home from this autumn, when Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust opens its crisis resolution home treatment service.

The Trust's development manager, Hilary Wright, explained: "As part of the Government's framework for mental health which was launched a couple of years ago, we will be required to provide the services of mental health professionals every day.

"At the moment, people are available up to 9pm and some Saturdays and Sundays, but from towards the end of this year, professionals will be there 24 hours a day. So when people call out of hours in difficulty, instead of having to go into hospital, these professionals may be able to help them in their own homes by listening and offering practical help in their time of crisis."

The Trust also runs an eight-session course for sufferers of voice-hearing.

Alice Goodall, a psychologist for the Trust, explained that sufferers hear voices ranging from a running commentary of what they are doing, to obscene language and even orders for them to cut themselves.

She said: "Hearing voices is frightening and confusing. The voices often sound very real and it's hard to believe they are coming from your own head. However, many people don't talk about voices and often don't get a sympathetic response if they do, but through the eight-session course and help of two mental health professionals, members of the Swindon Voice Hearers Group are able to share their experiences and explore ways of coping.

"One of the most helpful things is finding that they are not the only one facing such difficulties.

"Being able to talk openly about voice hearing without worrying about other people's reactions has proved so valuable that the group is currently thinking of setting up a self-help support and social group to follow on from the course."