The service, based in King's Lynn, will begin in September to offer more localised support for patients.

It will be run by West Norfolk Mind and is part of a range of measures being introduced to provide support and help closer to home.

Last month, the West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group decided a centralised scheme being piloted in the county failed to meet the needs of patients located in west Norfolk.

Dr Sue Crossman, chief officer of West Norfolk CCG, said: 'By working with our west Norfolk partners service users will receive a more locally focused model of response and care.

'This will give us the opportunity to draw in a range of practitioners that have existing knowledge of local service users who can ensure they receive appropriate and timely care and support locally.'

The helpline is part of a broader approach to improving mental health services in west Norfolk.

Other measures introduced include a £300,000 investment in mental health liaison services within accident and emergency; increasing capacity for those suffering serious mental health conditions; and improving services for diagnosing and treating dementia.

- The telephone helpline goes live on September 1, and will run from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday. A message with signposting advice will be available outside these hours.