Petition Launched as Kilmarnock Mental Health Services Set to Close
campaign against the closure of the Morven Day Centre and outreach groups across East Ayrshire
Last month it was announced that The Morven Day Centre, a service in Kilmarnock which offers support to adults with mental health difficulties in East Ayrshire, would have its funding withdrawn.
The decision was made after a review by the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (EAHSCP) concluded in December.
Since being informed of the decision, members of the community as well as some of the Centre’s service users have expressed concerns over the closure of Morven Day services, <a class="article-body-link" href="https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-the-morven-day-centre?utm_source=facebook-messenger&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign="e_id=quote4&title_id=title3&recruiter=20764522&loc=dashboard-new" target="_blank">launching a petition to fight against the EAHSCP’s decision.
The petition states: “Mental health provision in East Ayrshire is under threat with the local council threatening to remove vital funding, which would close The Morven Day Centre including many satellite groups over the area.”
Petition launched to 'raise awareness' of centre's importance
Cheryl Scott, who launched the petition told West FM News: “I hope we can get a couple of thousand signatures maybe.”
“But the main thrust of the petition is to create awareness of the Morven Day Centre itself and the threat it’s under.”
The campaign has already attracted support from both local MP’s and MSP’s.
Brian Whittle, MSP for Scotland South has shared his concerns about the closure, calling the cuts to funding 'a false economy'.
Whittle told West FM News: “It’s a false economy because although it means the local council won’t have to pay for that service, it will fall on NHS services and mental health services to pick up the pieces.”
“It will cost the Scottish government more money than it is saving.”
Decision described as 'short sighted'
On Facebook, Whittle shared that he would be raising the issue in the Scottish Parliament this week, writing: “The decision to stop funding for Morven Day Services is completely short sighted and a real blow for the over 100 people in the local community who rely on its services.
“I'm absolutely opposed to this decision and will be raising it with both the Scottish Government and East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership.”
In a statement provided by East Ayrshire Council, Jo Gibson, Head of Wellbeing and Recovery with EAHSCP said: "The wellbeing of East Ayrshire residents is our highest priority.”
“All those currently attending the Morven Centre are in the process of being contacted, their needs discussed, and appropriate alternative supports identified. This has already begun."