Statement by Cllr Andrew Girvin, Castlereagh:
“I am shocked to hear that mental health care provision at Ravenhill Day Centre in East Belfast is under threat.
“There is a consultation underway that will determine the future of this important unit. While there will be no decision taken by the South Eastern Trust until the consultation period is over, I feel that East Belfast needs the dedicated mental health resource that is currently provided. If the decision is made to close this unit and relocate clients and staff to other units in Belfast then it will leave those in need in East Belfast with no local service.
“Ravenhill Day Centre provides an excellent resource for all their clients. This is not a political issue, mental health care should be as accessible as we can make it.
“Having been approached by staff, they are concerned about the future of their clients, where routine and familiarity is what is making a real difference to their lives. On a recent visit I saw first-hand the different facilities within the centre – it truly is a first class resource.
“I can only hope the decisions will reflect the need of the users of service.”