A CHARITY that provides a voice for people with mental health issues is facing closure because of a lack of funding.
The Mental Health Action Group, which has existed for almost 30 years, will close this month unless funding can be found.
The charity in Caroline Street, city centre, provides an advocacy service to help people express their views, speak out and defend their rights.
For the past five years, the charity has been funded by Comic Relief – a major national charity that raises money and provides grants to other charities.
The charity secured a £150,000 grant in 2009 and was expecting the final £10,000 to be paid this month, but its chairman David Ekert said he has now been told the payment will not be made.
Mr Ekert said the mix-up with Comic Relief could cost the charity its existence.
He said: "We knew the project was coming to an end, but the final instalment would have given us breathing space until October. We are already applying for other funding.
"Comic Relief told us we have had an underspend and so the figures don't tally, but we've been through it with a fine-tooth comb.
"It's simply not true there has been an underspend. It's turned into a bit of a saga.
"We've been in touch with them but now they are refusing to communicate with us."
The organisation was established in 1985 and became a charity ten years later.
It now has one paid member of staff and several trustees and also relies on volunteers.
The peer advocates have all experienced using mental health or similar services.
They provide help to sufferers in situations such as doctors visits and court appearances.
The advocates work with the charity users independently and also help people make complaints about mental health, community care or other services.
Mr Ekert said the charity is one of a kind and will be missed if it has to close.
He said: "There are other mental health charities, but the reason people come to us is because we are not a faceless organisation.
"With us you have continuity, it will be the same advocate throughout, which is important to people because people open up once they know us.
"It will be tragic if we close, we are their voice.
"We would like to hear from anyone who can help us, this is the last chance saloon."
A spokesman for Comic Relief said Mental Health Action Group needs to provide further documentation before any more funds will be sent.
He said: "Comic Relief is committed to ensuring the money we give as grants is spent as agreed – that's why we make phased payments and grantees have to show us how they spent the previous money before receiving the next instalment.
"In the case of the Mental Health Action Group, Comic Relief is still awaiting fulfillment of the conditions to make the final payment, which includes them submitting a final accounting report."
If you can help the charity, call Mr Ekert on 01482 320525.
Totally independentMENTAL Health Action Group offers a peer advocacy service, which seeks to help people with mental health and diversity issues express their views, speak out and defend their rights.
It aims to ensure all needs and wants are listened to, taken seriously and met.
The peer advocates have all experienced having or using mental health or similar services.
The charity is user-led and user-run and is completely independent from NHS and statutory services.
