PEOPLE with mental health problems in Leigh who may be at risk of fire danger could receive potentially life-saving support thanks to a new partnership.

Health chiefs from 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) are working together to help people with mental ill-health to access advice from GMFRS’ community safety staff.

Nick Rowe, director of corporate services at the Trust said: “GMFRS will be training our mental health workers to recognise increased risk factors among our patients which can include living alone, chaotic lifestyles, hoarding, substance misuse, memory impairment and smoking.

The Trust will then be able to seek consent from patients for fire officers to make home visits to provide safety advice and support. In return we will be helping operational fire crews to better understand and work with members of the public who may need support.”

Statistics revealed 30 per cent of people killed in fires across Greater Manchester were known to mental health services.

Assistant county fire officer Peter O’Reilly said: “For years we have identified people who suffer from mental health issues are at increased risk of fire.

"The signing of the partnership is the final piece in the jigsaw which will allow staff at GMFRS to develop and deliver training to partners which will reduce the risks of fire and other issues for people suffering from mental ill-health.”