COUNCILLORS are preparing to vote on plans to cut a mental health charity's funding by 40%.

COUNCILLORS are preparing to vote on plans to cut a mental health charity's funding by 40%.

As reported in the Evening Times, the Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH) may be forced to close should councillors vote to cut their funding by more than £800,000.

The decision is to be taken tomorrow at the local authority's Executive Committee meeting in the City Chambers.

It will be discussed as part of an overall review of mental health services in the city, with plans to "rebalance" the social work budget "towards increased and effective early

intervention and preventative services."

The committee agenda outlines the proposals for discussion, and states a "review of the services delivered by GAMH...has highlighted a clear need to improve the

performance of the provision."

A spokesman for the social work department said: "The council is facing an exceptionally challenging financial situation and we have to ensure tax payers' money is being spent effectively.

"Over the past twelve months we have reviewed our mental health services to ensure we are making the most of available resources.

"As with other parts of the social work service, this means there has to be an emphasis within the mental health service on early intervention and prevention."

He added that there needed to be better

"We also need to see better outcomes for individuals with more people recovering from their illness more quickly and being able to live independently in the community.

"This will help the council fulfil its statutory responsibilities and ensure support needs continue to be met.

"Under the proposals before the Executive Committee, we fully expect GAMH to continue to be a significant care provider within the city's overall mental health service.

"However, the review of mental health services undertaken by the council highlighted a clear need for GAMH to improve the services they provide and also that there is a duplication of services.

"As part of the overall reconfiguration of mental health services, we envisage GAMH working more closely with GPs, focusing on prevention rather than crisis intervention and delivering that preventative support more effectively."