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A review of mental health community support services in Islington has supported the retention of all three sites currently providing day services to over 220 regular clients with differing needs.

A report to Islington Council's Executive on 17 September will set out the changes proposed to mental health day services following consultation with clients, partners and others.

The council will retain buildings and services at Despard Road, Ashley Road and Southwood Smith Street, while extending outreach to scores of new clients, with a particular emphasis on those minority and BME groups which are overrepresented as mental health service users and need specific help to improve their longer-term prospects.

Cllr Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's executive member for health and adult social care, said:

"Any changes to services for vulnerable people have to be managed carefully.

"Our challenge has been to make sure that popular services are located in places which are easy to get to, and are flexible enough to cope with demand which does change over the years.

"We believe the new model allows us to upgrade services and premises, reach more people who need help and improve their chances for recovery, and provide familiar and local facilities which also achieve value for taxpayers.

"Users, partners and staff have all been involved in deciding the way forward and we have listened and acted."

Of particular importance has been retention of specialist provision for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) service users at the Despard Road centre. All mental health service users will benefit from access to longer hours of service to reduce isolation often felt acutely at weekends and over holidays.

The changes reflect a response to individual clients' needs. Outcome, the specialist day service for lesbian and gay service users, will continue running from the Ashley Road site, as also will the women's only day.