The Deputy Mayor of Havering and more than 50 campaigners walked the streets of Romford to raise awareness for a soon-to-be axed mental health service.
Havering Mind stands to lose £170,000 – or 42 per cent – of its total funding when a contract to provide its community wellbeing service (CWS) ends on December 31.
Activists opposed to the decision, made by Havering clinical commissioning group (CCG) earlier this year, gathered outside the 50-year-old charity’s headquarters by Harrow Lodge Park in the rain on Saturday.
Campaigners braved torrid conditions with banners and placards to traipse the 3.5km to Romford Market, in the hope of raising the profile of CWS, which runs support projects including choirs and workshops.
Health bosses have opted for a new service they say is more targeted and works actively with employers.
Havering Mind fundraising co-ordinator Ciaran White said: “Deputy mayor Barbara Matthews started the walk off for us.
“It was great to see so many people come out in support of our charity.”
The organisation launched in Havering in 1965 and fears the CCG’s decision could cripple it.
You can sign a petition to save the CWS by visiting haveringmind.org.uk.
Read more:
Havering mental health charity ‘fears for future’ after £170k funding cut
Mental health charity Havering Mind lashes out at NHS bosses
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here