PROPOSALS COULD SEE THE END OF MENTAL ILLNESS LIFELINE; Don't give us the brush-off.

Byline: By HELEN RAE Health Reporter

AN ART project for people suffering from mental illness could be shut down.

Proposals announced by the Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust may see the closure of The Art Room at St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, which helps up to 400 people with mental illnesses.

Trust bosses are giving members of the public the chance to have their say on proposals, but manager Joy Nicholson fears the plans could spell trouble for those who use the room.

She said: "We offer a service and those who attend get expertise and experience that is currently not available anywhere else in the region. The Art Room is very important.

"It offers the opportunity to work with professional artists, allowing people to develop new skills. It is also a great way for people with mental health problems to relax and socialise. Everyone says that's something they all enjoy.

"I set up the service and I'm determined to keep it going.

"It's very worrying to think it could close and our members could be left without our help."

The Art Room began 18 years ago and 400 people throughout the region are registered with the organization. It offers those using Health Reporter helen.rae@ncjmedia.co.uk the mental health services a studio facility.

Studio co-ordinators develop a range of arts activities and professional artists deliver a programme of projects and courses.

Ernie Paxton, 48, of Walker, Newcastle, has suffered severe depression and anxiety for nine years and uses the service a couple of times a week.

The father-of-six said: "The service is a lifeline for myself and other users. If it was not for The Art Room, then I don't think I would ever leave the house. It provides me with a supportive environment and it also acts as a self-help group."

Last year the service and staff received a Mental Health Oscar from the Launchpad Patient's Council awards.

A spokesman for Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust said: "As part of the review the trust has begun a 30-day consultation on its future, during which it will welcome views from the people who use the hospital's services, their carers and staff.

"All comments received will be considered before any decision is made on the future of The Art Room."

CAPTION(S):

NEEDED: Arts service manager Joy Nicholson with Ernie Paxton