UNISON campaign halts closure of day centres

Plans to close two Leeds day centres for people with mental health problems have been put on hold after a campaign by UNISON and service users. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/leeds_day_centre_closure_plans_put_on_hold_1_3408990

After a decision in February by Leeds City Council to close The Vale, Stocks Hill, and the Crisis Centre, the council has now steped back to allow for more consultation.

UNISON campaigned against the closures with a public meeting on Tuesday 8 February and a demo on 11 February. Branch officers also sent a dossier to UNISON's legal team in London with a view to seeking a judicial review. The union had always argued there had not been enough consultation.

UNISON Regional Organiser Tony Pearson, said at the time: "For more than twenty years, the Leeds Crisis Centre has saved thousands of lives and spared thousands of families from the tragedy of a suicide among their closest relatives.

"If this service closes down, some of the most desperate and vulnerable people in our communities will not have the support they need to survive a crisis. What can be more important than a front-line service that keeps people alive and gives them a future in terms of their relationships with their families and their ability get back into employment?"

For background see http://unisonactive.blogspot.com/2011/02/leeds-fight-to-save-centres-that-save.html