Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab)

- Hansard -

The petition is from the friends and users of the Archway centre, Walsall. The petitioners object to the cutting of funds and resources to the Archway centre, which has already led to the closure of some services. The petitioners believe that the intention is to reduce the number of sessions and to send service users out into the community. The community is not qualified and does not have the facilities to deal with people who have mental problems. The petitioners have noted that the cuts to the funding of the Archway centre may lead to more people relying on the services of the mental health team in Walsall and an increase in admissions to the Dorothy Pattison hospital. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take all possible steps to ensure that the Archway centre, Walsall receives adequate funding. There are 74 signatories to the petition in similar terms.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of friends and users of the Archway Centre, Walsall,

Declares that the Petitioners object to the cutting by Re-think of funds and resources at the Archway Centre, Walsall, which has already led to the closure of food services at the centre - a vital service for many users who find it difficult to cook for themselves; notes that the Petitioners believe that the intention is to reduce the number of drop in sessions and to send service users out into the community, but the community is not qualified and does not have the facilities to deal with people who have mental health problems; and further notes that cuts to the funding of the Archway Centre may lead to more people relying on the services of the mental health team in Walsall and an increase in admissions to Dorothy Pattison Hospital.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take all possible steps to ensure that the Archway Centre, Walsall, receives adequate funding.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.]

[P000864]