The following services ran by Mental Health Matters are threatened with closure:

Gateshead Out of Hours Service -  a service that has been running for a quarter of century that ensures an environment for people with mental health problems and carers that is vital at reducing social isolation, that helps to build self-confidence as individuals.

Gateshead Pathways Advice -  Running for 25 years this service delivers essential advice and information to people with mental ill health and their families / carers, who live within Gateshead.

Gateshead MHM Helpline – A crucial out of hours helpline operating throughout the night and bank holidays providing not only crisis support but also regular counselling slots when very few services are available.

As a founder member and Chair of Gateshead Clubhouse I have watched mental health services being cut to the bone.  Austerity kills, and to remove these 3 vital services when there are so few places left to get help and support, will starkly affect people with mental health problems across Gateshead.  Already we are stigmatised and have become victims of hate crime and blame.  Many of us have seen our lives severely affected by the hostile environment of the benefit system. 

Gateshead Council we know you have to make cuts, but to close 3 front line mental health services in one blow is too much, surely there are other non front line costs you could look at?

Gateshead Council – We urge you to think again before you bring 3 life line mental health services to an end.

The triple cut of these 3 services will cost lives and cause further misery to Gateshead residents with mental health problems.

 Anthony Johnson.