A Stoke-on-Trent company has told users all three mental health services are being axed due to funding issues.

Service users who use Brighter Futures, The Clubhouse Network, Safer Space and the Helpline were only told last week that from 21 June the services will be no more after 24 years.

The Clubhouse network runs throughout Stoke-on-Trent and has bases at The Observatory in Hanley, The American in Burslem and at Meir Community Education Centre. The network provides immediate access to mental health support and social activities to improve or maintain their well-being.

The Helpline, which is open all year round, allows anybody living in Staffordshire to phone the service and will provide help on possible next steps. Safer spaces is a referral service, however once referred patients can then self-refer, which allows patients a safe space and prevents admission to a hospital ward.

Brighter Futures have blamed the decision on the end of funding (Google).

Sarah Campbell who has been attending the network for the past two years says it keeps people out of hospital. She said: "We just can't believe it, that place is like a lifeline for me, it's kept me out of hospital so many times when I've been in a really, really bad place. 

"Just having them on the other end of the phone and attending the groups just makes a massive difference. To go from all of that to nothing in three weeks, I just can't get my head around it at all and it worries me now."

Brighter Futures have blamed the decision on the end of funding and say they have received confirmation from the ICB that funding will only be extended until the end of June 2024. However Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB have said no notice has been given to any organisation to withdraw funding or stop services.

In a letter to customers, Brighter Futures said: "We know that The Clubhouse Network has provided real benefit to you and we have not taken lightly the decision to close the service at such short notice. The reason Brighter Futures is having to close the service is due to the ending of the funding that has enabled this service to run.

"On 29 March 2024 Brighter Futures received written confirmation from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) that the funding for our three mental health contracts (Safe Spaces, Helpline and The Clubhouse Network) will only be extended until the 30 June 2024.

"At this point, future levels of funding from the ICB for mental health services remains unclear and they have been unable to give us any answers as to their plans and what they are looking to fund in the future, Brighter Futures therefore cannot (and does not) expect to receive any further continuation of funding to enable us to continue these important and much value services."

A spokesperson of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB said: "Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB is undertaking a review of all its voluntary sector grants, to ensure all investments are serving the needs of our population. At present, no notice has been given to any organisation to withdraw funding or stop services. Therefore, any decision to close services is down to the individual providers."

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