MENTAL HEALTH service users in Nottingham are involved in an inspiring campaign to keep Middle Street Resource centre in Beeston open. It is threatened with closure under council cuts. £434,994 is the total planned cut in vital frontline day services.
Service users have not taken this lying down. A regular group has come together which is involved in petitioning, contacting councillors, and letter writing. 100 users came to a meeting to hear senior management proposals and opposition was voiced there. 80 came to meet Councillor Rostance, cabinet member for Adult Social Care. 400 signed a petition at the Greyhound pub, and the local Oxfam shop is also running the petition.
A senior council manager has complained about service users being “orchestrated” by others. This is insulting to users, who despite facing disability, want to keep their services. A “Save Middle Street” petition can be found online at www.gopetition.com
