Mental health patients met Twickenham MP Vince Cable to protest at the closure of a popular drop-in service.

Users and staff of Centre 32 in Heath Road, Twickenham, presented a petition to Dr Cable this week against the scheduled closure of the popular drop-in service next Monday, and the way the closure has been handled.

In October last year, Richmond Borough Mind (RB Mind) announced the service, which has been running for more than 30 years, would be stopped due to a lack of funding.

The centre will instead remain open for certain activities like an arts group and a peer volunteer-led social group.

Dr Cable said: “I met the management of RB Mind before Christmas and attended meetings with trustees, to express concerns coming through from the clients.

“Dozens of vulnerable people felt that they were being cast adrift, that there was unnecessary haste over the closure and there was worrying uncertainty about alternative provisions.

“Since then anxieties seem to have grown and there is some anger over the way RB Mind is managing the issue.

“I am seeking an urgent meeting with RB Mind to see if we can help the clients.”

RB Mind said last week it would not rule out renting or selling the centre in the future, and was awaiting news of a number of key grants it relies on.

But the group stressed this week it had no plans to get rid of the building.

A spokeswoman for RB Mind said: “RB Mind has made no plans to sell or rent the building, but will carry out a period of consultation in the coming months with users concerned about the future of the centre.

“In the meantime, activities for service users will continue at the centre and at other venues in the borough.

“RB Mind thanks Dr Cable for his continued involvement in the future of Centre 32 as a resource for people who experience mental distress in the borough, and will be pleased to meet with him.“

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