Lamb calls on Health Secretary to clarify Government's view on the future of mental health services

6.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd Apr 2004

Following the closure of the North Norfolk Campion Project, Norman Lamb has called on Health Secretary John Reid to clarify the Government's position on the future of mental health services.

Mr Lamb said: "There is no doubt that the financial situation facing the Primary Care Trust and Norfolk Social Services has been significant in the decision to bring this valuable project to an end. The Government must now state its view on the future of such services. I have asked for the Health Secretary to provide information on any potential funding sources which may be available to help."

Norman Lamb visited the Campion Project in Holt last Friday, and has since told John Reid in a letter: "I was very struck by the views of the users of the Campion Project who spoke of the Project as a lifeline. It has given them something to look forward to during the week. It gets them out of their own homes. It ensures that they meet others with similar problems, and it has given them enormous help, support and comradeship."

The Campion Project is a peripatetic day services for older people with functional depressive illnesses. It meets in four centres in North Norfolk - North Walsham, Holt, Fakenham and Cromer.