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A LOCAL mental health group is meeting next week to discuss its concerns over the uncertain future of Sheffield House.

The mental health unit, in Court Road, has been cited for closure by the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. The trust has cited a national shift towards home care, and the fact that Sheffield House has less than 50 per cent occupancy, making it an expensive to maintain, as reasons for the move.

But several service users, and even staff at the unit, have expressed their concerns at the plans.

On Thursday (May 15) the Worcestershire Mental Health Network (WMHN) charity, which seeks to promote and improve mental health services, is meeting at St Mary's Church, Sherrards Green Road, to discuss the closure plans.

"I still think it is a hugely valuable resource, and there are people there at the moment who are extremely concerned about what is going to happen to them," said WHMN member Bob Leverett, who has fought depression and anxiety for more than a decade and was treated at Sheffield House in 2006 and 2007.

"We will be discussing the plans with people who have used the service and their carers and finding out what their feelings are about the proposals.

"We are in a period of consultation, so if we can get a consensus then we will submit our views to the Mental Health Trust."

Mr Leverett's own view is that, rather than looking at closure, mental health chiefs should be looking to make more of what Sheffield House has to offer.

"I definitely think it could be more widely used," he said. "There are highly skilled staff already in place, lets use that expertise."

Mr Leverett hopes that anyone who uses or has an interest in Sheffield House will attend the meeting.

1:38pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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