The Mind Spa in Ashley Road, which may shut in a cost-cutting move

• DUE to huge, ongoing funding cuts from govern­ment, we’re having to look very carefully at many services, including how we provide mental health day services in Islington, (Mental health services under threat from cuts, June 15).

At the same time we want to redesign services so they better meet the needs of residents. We know some people need support but don’t use our mental health day services, and others would like support to use other community facilities to help their recovery. We think redesigned, flexible services can save money and also better meet needs.

As government cuts bite, we need to consider carefully how money is spent. We think some money can be saved by reducing spending on buildings and utility bills, instead focusing on good levels of staffing and delivering services in a more flexible way.

We’re proposing to provide day services from The Mind Hub, in Despard Road, and Isledon Road Resource Centre, and to close either Mind Empower, in Southwood Smith Street, or The Mind Spa, in Ashley Road, or both.

We’re consulting on these proposals and want to hear from people who use our mental health day services, carers and anyone who may want to access services in the future. Consultation runs until July 27. We will take all feedback into account before making a decision.

CLLR JANET BURGESS
Labour executive member for health and wellbeing,
Islington Council