Our Link Centres are a ‘lifeline’ for the vulnerable and must be saved

Ian Roome, Liberal Democrat Party, parliamentary candidate for North Devon, speaks out on the threatened closure of Link Centres across the constituency.

Mental health influences our quality of life, and in North Devon we have some of the most vulnerable communities in the county. The rural nature of our area makes it is easy to feel isolated, especially for those already coping with mental illness. 

That’s why I believe the Conservative-run Devon County Council is wrong to propose the closure of the North Devon Link Centres in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe, all of which provide a vital service for people with mental health problems. As the Liberal Democrat member for Barnstaple North, I have opposed the measure.

I care deeply about this issue and speak from experience of its impact on people, having been a community mental health worker in the past.

One of the roles of being an elected representative is to advocate the concerns of the local community. Over the last week, several Link Centre users have contacted me to express their worries about the future of the service. One of them described it as “a lifeline”, and feared its loss would leave some of the most vulnerable members of the community more isolated than they already are.  

Another told me: “It’s the only place where we can get human contact with trained mental health professionals. I fear people could commit suicide. The month of May I find very difficult because it is when my father died. The Link Centre is a place I rely on to speak to trained staff who know me and who help me. I also have a learning difficulty and they offer me assistance whenever I am in a crisis.”

These words are powerful, and I will be making their voices heard at various levels to ensure that adequate provision is in place. According to the charity Mind, one in four people in England will experience a mental health problem each year, so this issue affects many in our community.

The public consultation about the closures will end on April 8 and I urge people to give their views on Devon County Council’s website. After all, many of us know someone who is struggling with their mental health even if we ourselves are not.

If I can help you with any issues or advice, please contact me by emailing ian@northdevonlibdems.org.uk