PATIENTS have been left ‘distraught’ after being told those who have received the services of a mental health hub for more than 12 months will have to stop.

Warrington Day Service, which is run by charity Making Space, provides a ‘lifeline’ for people living with mental health conditions, one user said.

Those referred to the service can socialise and take part in arts and crafts class in a supported setting overseen by care assistants.

But due to a surge in demand, anyone who has been attending the service for more than a year will be unable to return to the day centre for at least 12 months.

Charity bosses say it’s a necessary step to free up space for new referrals with acute mental health needs who need one to one help.

But one woman, who has been using the centre for 18 months after being diagnosed with serious mental health issues, says she and others are ‘gutted’.

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, says it has proved a ‘lifeline’ in terms of getting out of the house and having a hobby in safe environment she feels comfortable in.

She said: “I’ve been told I can’t return after December. I’m quite upset, I like going there, I like the people in the group and the assistants.

“I’ve been told to go somewhere else. I have tried other groups but I suffer from social anxiety and I’ve struggled. I enjoy this group because I’m comfortable with the group.

“I think it’s wrong, it’s not fair on those of us who need this help.

“Other members who’ve been going for lots of years have been left distraught.”

The woman has been attending the service in Allen Street three times a week since being referred by the outreach team from Warrington Borough Council.

She added: “It’s been a bit of a lifeline for me really, it gives me respite. I get a couple of hours break from my caring role.

“I’ve been given a support worker, I’ve been working her and that’s been good and I’ve made lots of friends in the group that I wouldn’t have made otherwise.

“What they’re saying is that 25% of people in Warrington need mental health support since the pandemic, so they’ve told us that people who’ve been using the group for more than 12 months can’t return for 12 months.

“We understand there’s other people who need help, but we are a friendly and welcoming group, I don’t see why new referrals can’t be accommodated within the current group.”

Nick Farmer, chief operating officer of Making Space, said: “Increased demand for mental health support means we now have to cap people's attendance at Warrington Day Service at 12 months.

“This is necessary to free up space for new referrals with acute mental health needs who need one to one help.

“All new referrals to the service will be supported to create their own three month mental health action plan and will then have access to our popular group sessions and activities on a drop in basis for a further nine months.

“Before leaving the service, we will help people to connect with other organisations that are able to provide ongoing support.”