VULNERABLE people already in the criminal justice system or in danger of breaking the law again will be helped by a new support service designed to stop re-offending.

Suspects in custody, defendants appearing at court or offenders living in the community who have mental health issues, substance abuse problems or even social housing difficulties, will be assisted in a bid to stop them resorting to crime in the future.

The new service, which begins today, has been made possible by Greater Manchester’s devolution deal and has been jointly commissioned by Greater Manchester’s interim mayor Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd and Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.

It is a simplified and streamline replacement of the current system in which an arrestee may be seen by various people from different unco-ordinated services and they will have not only their health assessed but their wider life circumstances.

Mr Lloyd said: “This service will provide a lifeline to thousands of vulnerable people, bringing police and health services together to address underlying issues of offending.

“It’s a common sense approach, but one that will only be effective if everybody with a stake in the criminal justice system contributes to its success.”

Dr Richard Preece, executive lead for quality at Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Devolution in Greater Manchester is providing the means and opportunities to do things differently.

“Health and social care cannot be seen in isolation.

“We must work together to improve care in custody.

“By joining up our way of working, vulnerable individuals will be supported to access appropriate services and hopefully together we can reduce the chances of people reoffending.”

Private firm Mitie Care and Custody, in partnership with Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company and Five Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, were chosen in October last year to deliver the integrated Police Custody Healthcare Service and a Liaison and Diversion Service.

The three year contract worth £15 million is the first integrated service of its type inthe country.

Every custody suite will have an embedded healthcare professional available around the clock for assessments.

During the core hours of 7am to 5pm they will be joined by a so-called ‘health, liaison and diversion facilitator’ whose working hours will increase over the second and the third years of the contract.

They will see a total of approximately 134,000 people who end up in police custody over the three years of the contract.

This represents about seven out of every 10 adults arrested and every young person detained.

Assessments will also take place in courts and anyone found with mental health issues, learning disabilities, substance misuse or other vulnerabilities will be supported with access to appropriate services whether it be concerning health, social care, education, training or housing.

Seb Stewart, managing director at Care and Custody Health, said: “By bringing together a credible, forward-thinking partnership of organisations to deliver fully integrated, innovative services to the police, courts and communities of Greater Manchester, we can support positive outcomes for vulnerable individuals coming into the criminal justice system, and contribute to a reduction in re-offending.”