A NEW centre for people suffering problems with mental health has been set up at Felixstowe.The SerenityLink Project has been formed by people who were disappointed at cutbacks in East Suffolk Mind's services in the town earlier this year.
A NEW centre for people suffering problems with mental health has been set up at Felixstowe.
The SerenityLink Project has been formed by people who were disappointed at cutbacks in East Suffolk Mind's services in the town earlier this year.
The changes meant Mind's Caretaker's House drop-in centre has fewer drop-in sessions, changes to opening hours, and some self-help sessions not supported by staff but user-led instead, with the loss of the women's group, arts and woodwork sessions.
East Suffolk Mind said the changes were necessary after funding was reduced and the group's new contract forced it to expand its services into areas which it had previously not covered.
This meant a change in the way its services would be provided in order to be effective in reaching people in more communities and helping them in a more effective way.
At Felixstowe, people who were upset at the changes in the town decided to form their own charity in order to try to provide what was being lost.
SerenityLink will be using the United Reformed Church Hall in Tomline Road on Fridays from August 14 from 10am to 1pm with a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, healthy walks and eating, listening and chatting sessions, and photography. More details on 0774 704 2356.
Chairman Bev Crickett said: “Membership will be free but there will be a small charge for the sessions to help pay for the hall, and we are still making applications for funding from various organisations.
“We strongly believe and understand that people suffering from mental health issues and disability need to get out of their homes and start to live life again.”
Do you think more needs to be done to help people with mental illness? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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