The region's troubled mental health trust has drafted in new liaison officers in a bid to mend bridges with bereaved families.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has long faced criticism over its engagement with the families of people who have lost loved ones through mental ill health.

However, the trust hopes the addition of two new family liaison officers will help to "ensure families feel heard, informed and supported".

Among the new recruits is Kirk Wilson, who previously worked as a family liaison officer for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary, which saw him support the families of people affected by crime.

Ian Orr, the other new officer, previously worked as a clinical support worker for NSFT and has more than 10 years of experience in mental health services.

Mr Wilson said: "We bring experience and knowledge from both sides of the coin - mental health and police expertise."

Mr Orr added: "This will enable us to offer understanding to those we support and to tackle the difficult challenges this role brings."

The move comes following feedback from bereaved families in recent months.

Robyn Ward, head of carers' participation and experience at NSFT said: "We are dedicated to evolving into a safer, more compassionate and improved organisation that learns from deaths and listens to experiences from our local communities.

"I am glad we have recruited such experienced family liaison officers and it is great to see they are already making links with local partners.

"Ian and Kirk are providing crucial support to families and carers affected by tragedy."

It comes after the trust came in for intense scrutiny over how it works with bereaved families.

In December, Caroline Aldridge, whose son Tim died while under the trust's care, withdrew from a project working with NSFT - describing her experience as "re-traumatising".