PEOPLE with mental health problems who rely on the services provided by a Worcester charity have reacted angrily to news of its imminent closure.

As reported in the Worcester News on Monday, Worcester City Mind, which provides a drop-in caf, counselling and therapy for about 50 people, will have to close in September due to a lack of money.

Mind had relied heavily on funding from Worcestershire Social Services, which was not renewed last year, and despite grants received in the last year, was still £50,000 short.

Treasurer Richard Woolley said: "We can't do any long-term planning. We need continuity of funding."

One user, Vince, said the proposed closure was 'an absolute disgrace'.

"An awful lot of people are going to be disenfranchised by not being able to come here. I think the decision stinks," he said.

Richard Hazzard called the withdrawal of funding false economy, saying it would lead to further costs for the Mental Health Service when people's mental health deteriorated.

"I am angered and totally depressed about the situation," he said.

Brian, who is his mother's sole carer, said closing down the Mind centre would be a sin.

"My mother comes here and it is the only chance she gets and I get to have a break," he said.

Colin, who has been going to Mind since 1995, said he was friendly with everybody there and it was good fun.

Another regular, Donald, who recently moved to Worcester and was just getting to know people, was very disappointed.

Although the charity will fold, volunteers hoping to keep something in its place have had some good news.

"The benefice of St Swithun's has generously offered us the hall in Trinity House, which we use now, on Saturdays from 9.30am to 2.30pm," said volunteer counsellor Juliet Mari.

"It will be free of charge, apart form heating in winter, so it looks like something will be up and running."