Plans to relocate mental health support hubs in Leeds to save £500,000 have sparked concerns among service users, who say the changes will make access significantly more difficult.
Currently located in Beeston and Armley, the support hubs are set to move to new locations as part of Leeds City Council’s cost-saving measures. The moves will see the Stocks Hill hub transfer to the Calverlands Complex Needs Centre in Horsforth, Lovell Park hub relocate to the Wykebeck Complex Needs Centre, and the Vales Circles hub join the Laurel Bank Complex Needs Centre in Middleton.
Residents reliant on the Stocks Hill centre staged a protest last week, arguing that the new Horsforth location is outside their community. Norman Forsyth, 78, said the relocation could mean two or even three bus journeys for some users. Speaking outside Leeds Civic Hall, he explained, “We have support workers who help us, and peer support groups. It’s going to be two buses for some of us and three buses for others.”
The centres offer wellbeing activities and support groups for adults, but the council noted that attendance has declined and the hubs currently operate only two to three days a week. A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said that despite the relocations, the level of service will not be reduced. “People accessing services would be supported to transition to alternative sites identified within personalised reviews and in accordance with their individual needs,” they added.
The council also pointed out that the hubs had not seen significant investment in many years and that the rising costs of maintenance and repairs made the moves necessary. Following the relocations, the Lovell Park and Vales Circles buildings could be sold off.
