A PROJECT set up to give advice to people dealing with health and social services, has helped more than 400 in its first 18 months.

The Representational Advocacy Service, part of the Middlesbrough Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB), has four workers dedicated to Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland who work from the CAB offices.

Local social services, the health authority and the national association of CABs fund the posts.

Workers help clients get the services and money they are entitled to as well as helping them understand what they require from the health and social services to make their lives more comfortable.

A spokeswoman said: "Many of the people helped are from groups who often have difficulty expressing their views or dealing with bureaucracy, such as people with learning disabilities or mental health problems.

"Many users have been helped to stay in the community rather than hospital or to find appropriate accommodation within the community. Client surveys have shown a high level of satisfaction."

People can also get access to other specialist advice such as welfare benefits.

Members of the service are hoping that more people will be referred to them from the health service and social services.