Dudley Council is expanding its adult social care service with the return of mental health social care to the authority in the New Year to care and support people with mental health problems in the borough.

The return of the service to the local authority, which was previously run by the NHS, will see around 50 staff re-join the Adult Social Care team.

The transition is currently under way and the team will be formally welcomed to the local authority in January. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for adult social care, said:

"I look forward to welcoming the mental health social care team back to Dudley in January. The team will be a very important addition to the council, and I am sure that their expertise and skills will help provide the best care and support for vulnerable people in our borough.

"The current coronavirus crisis has highlighted the importance of caring for our mental health, just as we would our physical wellbeing. The return of this service shows Dudley takes the mental health of residents across the borough incredibly seriously."

Anyone wishing to contact the authority’s mental health services team should contact 0300 555 0055.