A pilot scheme to bring together all the various organisations which help improve mental health and wellbeing is being carried out in Ross-on-Wye.

Phil Shackell, who works in mental health and wellbeing for Herefordshire Council, originally intended to draw up a map of all the services in the county but quickly realised that with so many, this would take too long. Instead, he told members of Ross-on -Wye Town Council at their meeting earlier this month, that he had decided to focus on one market town and Ross was chosen.

Mr Shackell told Ross Town Council that the aim of his project is to increase prevention. He wants people to know that there are alternatives to visiting their GP and going along the medication route.

It is also about bringing in professions to support people at an earlier stage, and help speed up a response.

To read the full story, see this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette.