Hertfordshire is to be one of the places to launch a national scheme for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions.

The trial will provide people in need with one-to-one support to help cut down in unnecessary long stays in hospitals and other NHS inpatient facilities over the next six months.

Hertfordshire County Council will receive £60,000 for the scheme, which will give people frequent contact with a dedicated social worker.

This primary point of contact will help with advice, work directly with the family and carers and encourage patients to live more independently in the community.

The scheme is part of the Department of Health’s ‘No voice unheard, no right ignored’ consultation from 2015, seeing a £400,000 investment in providing help for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions.

A total of 138 individuals were involved in the first phase of the pilot, in Liverpool, Sheffield and Hertfordshire.

People who have been involved in the first stage of the pilot said that the scheme made them feel supported and gave them greater choice over where they would live and their care.

Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: “This is a fantastic scheme in Hertfordshire that will give people personalised community care and more support to live independently.

“It is an important step forward as we aim to transform learning disability services for people both in Hertfordshire and across the country.”