HUNDREDS of people could face an uncertain future if a leading mental health charity goes ahead with plans to axe its services across the North West.

MIND, the charity which helps people suffering from mental health problems, are expected to pull the plug on most of their regional services before the end of this month.

A MIND volunteer and user of the charity's home carer service says he is devastated by the decision. Les Collier, of Coleman Court, off Broadgate, Preston, says his volunteer helper has already been stopped.

The sudden pull-out has shocked other disabled charities and mental health service providers who fear the decision could have a massive knock-on effect.

Chief executive of the Guild Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Finlay Robertson, says emergency discussions are already taking place with North West Lancashire Health Authority. He said: "My main concern is for advocacy services. The majority of the impact would be on advocacy and we are keen to see this service kept in place.

"I don't know the background to MIND's decision but we will do what we can to help the situation. But I wouldn't like to see the advocacy service removed because it is important that these people are heard and are free to have a voice on services just like anyone else."

For years, MIND has provided information and support services for dozens of disabled people and those with mental health problems.

Its 22 groups in the North West provide counselling and drop-in centres to scores of people who otherwise might be left to suffer alone, and its office in Stump Lane, Chorley, serves residents in South Ribble.

The charity has its administrative centre, in Ribblesdale Place, Preston, and there is a advocacy centre and drop-in point in Blackpool. All of these services are under threat.

Mr Collier, who also works as a volunteer on the charity's Advocacy group advisory committee, added: "My volunteer helper finished last Friday and there's a void in this kind of service. Something needs to be done for the people in this area with mental health problems.

"To say I am unhappy about the situation is an understatement," he said. "I feel that all my work for them has been for nothing. But it's the salaried staff who will be out of work. I'm totally gutted."

A spokesman for the MIND charity refused to comment on the issue.