STAFF are being recruited for a new mental health service in Swindon, dubbed a calming café by NHS commissioners.

The out-of-hours service, called The Junction, will help those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Organised by Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind, the purpose of the project is to reduce the need for people in the Swindon area to visit A&E or other mental health crisis services by managing symptoms early. People can only be referred to the service, rather than arrive at the front door like an A&E.

Mind is recruiting two members of staff for The Junction. Applications close on December 14.

The organisation could not say yesterday when the service would open. £100,000 has been set aside for the calming café.

NHS commissioners have stressed the calming café would not replace the Sandalwood Court place of safety suite.