AT last someone is starting to question the local provision of mental health services.

Mental illness may not be a high profile part of health care but it can be life threatening and it is time people stopped pretending it is not a priority.

I have needed support due to illness both as an in-patient and out-patient over the past decade and have seen with horror the reduction of support.

Nursing and support staff do a wonderful job but are constantly under pressure from ever dwindling resources.

I used to attend occupational therapy at Ridge Lea as an out-patient up to three times a week. This was a valuable service producing structured activity and essential support - but in March last year it was closed, with nothing to replace it despite six months of consultation.

The final word' from one of the managers was a shrug of the shoulders. This to a group of vulnerable and very worried people.

The way we are being treated is disgraceful but nobody seems to want to do anything to help us. As I am still under the care of the service I should be grateful if you would not print my name.

Patient (name and address supplied).