A MENTAL health crisis centre has handled nearly 400 calls during the night in its short life in Bolton.

The Sanctuary in Trinity House, Breightmet, threw open its doors to visitors last week as part of a mental health awareness drive.

On May 13, guests, including police and other partners, were given guidance from experts on how to cope with mental illnesses.

After opening in February, The Sanctuary has been contacted 372 times by a total of 70 patients who would otherwise have placed further strain on the emergency services.

Their work has ensured vulnerable people are no longer forced to sit in police cells or A&E units.

Police officers received mental health training throughout the week, which ran from May 11 to 18.

Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe said: “Sessions such as these provide our officers and staff with greater understanding of the care pathways available to those experiencing mental ill health which means that they can then be transferred to the care of partner or voluntary agencies at the earliest opportunity and receive appropriate support.

"This awareness week is an important one for Greater Manchester Police as each day we encounter people experiencing mental ill health."

Joanne Harding, specialist services manager for Self Help Services, said: “The Sanctuary Bolton has been operating all night, every night, since February this year, providing a place of safety and support for people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression and/or suicidal thoughts outside of usual office hours.

"In this time we have provided support in over 372 instances - providing an important alternative to people who, in the past, would have relied on emergency services when experiencing a mental health crisis during the night."

Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “There is a wealth of ground-breaking work taking place across Greater Manchester, bringing police, healthcare providers and voluntary organisations together to change the way we deliver mental health crisis care. We are already reaping the benefits of this, with vulnerable people getting the appropriate care and support they need, when they need it."

Bolton residents, or those registered with a GP in the area, can access The Sanctuary by calling 0300 303 0581.