FUNDING for mental health care was slammed at a seminar in Bromsgrove.

The National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF) held a public meeting at Wendron Day Centre, in Chapel Street, to discuss mental health issues in the county.

A panel of representatives from Worcestershire Health Authority faced questions from an audience which included carers, members of voluntary organisations and professionals.

The annual event included a discussion on funding since the closure of the Barnsley Hall mental hospital, in Bromsgrove.

Head of operational finance for social services Patrick Birch said: "Worcestershire has always been unfavourably funded compared to most other areas in the country."

He added that social services had been faced with a huge financial deficit -- much to the detriment of adult mental health.

He told the meeting last month the department is trying to address this by campaigning for more money from the Government.

Mental health chief for the Department of Health Professor Anthony Sheehan said: "There appears to be dissent between the view taken by Worcestershire Health Authority and that of the Department of Health about the level of resources needed to achieve minimum standards.

"The maintenance of core mental health services is strained, primarily because of very poor staffing in the mental hospitals and the community."

The Bromsgrove NSF Carers Group meets at Wendron Day Centre on every third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.

It offers information, support and advice for relatives and carers of those suffering from severe mental illnesses. Today is national Mental Health Day.