Concerns have been raised about mental health provision in Halton following the shock closure of a local charity.

Mental health charity Halton Mind was placed into administration on Friday due to what bosses said was a combination of the challenging economic climate coupled with the lack of sufficient ongoing funding, as well as some contracts coming to an end.

Headquartered in Wellington Street in Runcorn, Mind Halton was one of a network of  100 local Minds across England and Wales. Each local Mind is affiliated to the national Mind organisation, but is its own registered charity and is not managed or funded by them. It offered services such as counselling and well-being courses.

The Halton branch had two full-time employees and three part-time staff. The LDRS has been told that the administrators Kirks are working with them regarding redundancy arrangements.

Aidan Mersh, associate director of federation support at Mind, said: "We are sad to announce that due to significant funding problems, Mind Halton has closed with immediate effect.

"We are working with Mind Halton to make sure its service users can still get the help they need.

"Mind Halton is working with its HR advisers to support staff members who have lost their jobs in what is a very difficult and distressing time.

"We want to offer our ongoing support to the local community and are doing everything we can to make the closure process as smooth as possible."

Runcorn and Helsby Labour MP Mike Amesbury, whose office has spoken to the administrator, said: "Given the crisis in mental health and the demand for services in the likes of Halton, it’s a crying shame to see Mind Halton close its doors.

"I understand the charity’s funding stream was insufficient to cover the ongoing elevated costs everyone has experienced in recent times such as with energy bills, for example.

"My thoughts are with affected staff, volunteers and service users. Sadly, this is one of many charities struggling up and down the country.

He added: "I have heard another local Mind group is considering whether it can expand services to cover the gap that has been left. If that is the case then I would obviously do whatever I could to support them.

"I will also be contacting NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, which has responsibility for commissioning services around mental health, given the potential for this closure to leave a significant hole in local services."

  • Anyone who has concerns can contact the Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk
  • People in crisis can can now access services through NHS 111, then press two or online via nhs.uk.external
  • If you're feeling suicidal or at risk of self-harm can go to any hospital A&E or call 999
  • The Samaritans provide a free, confidential 24 hour phone support by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org
  • Crisis support provide a free, 24 hour phone support by calling 0800 051 1508
  • There is a free 24 hour text service support by texting 'shout' to 85258
  • Wellbeing Enterprises support and activities can be accessed by calling 01928 589799