People suffering from mental health problems in Southend are to be given more help, thanks to a £345,000 grant.
Three new projects are to be set up using the Government money, which the council is matching with £127,000 of its own funds over three years.
The schemes are:
A dual diagnosis service to support people with mental illnesses who also abuse drugs or alcohol
A new housing project to give people who have been hospitalised support when they move back into the community.
An independent advocacy service, which will give sufferers and carers a bigger say in their future.
Councillor Chris Dandridge, chairman of the social services committee which meets on Tuesday to discuss the projects, said: "We do have quite a serious problem in this town with the number of people suffering from mental health problems above the national average.
" I am very pleased we are getting this extra money as it will enable us to extend our support."
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