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An audit conducted by North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Service’s York-based Early Intervention Team shows that since 2003, they have helped to cut the number of long hospital admissions for patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis by 80 per cent.

The team, which works with people aged 14 to 35 and their families, aims to ensure that service users can get back to an ordinary life after they are discharged from the Early Intervention Service.

Chris Almack, from the Early Intervention team, said: “The Early Intervention team approach is making a huge difference to the outcomes these young people and their families are experiencing. We are now working closely with colleagues to further develop the service and continue the delivery of positive outcomes which this audit has demonstrated.

“Early intervention is at an advanced stage of development in the Selby and York locality and we’re now looking to further develop the service in other areas across North Yorkshire.”