THE Bude Resource Centre has been open for 20 years, offering care and support to people in the area who suffer from severe mental health problems.

People using the centre say have achieved things they would never have found possible without the support they receive there. Coming to the drop-in sessions and taking part in activities has helped them to recover, to stay well and out of hospital and, in some cases, has been literally life-saving.

The clients, supported by Judith Cook, their Mental Health Advocate from SEAP invited Dan Rogerson, North Cornwall MP, to visit the centre and see for himself the work that goes on there and to enlist his support in their campaign to ensure that it survives.

Much of the work at Bude is led by the clients themselves, who gain support and encouragement from each other. This is made possible by the presence of the trust's skilled, paid staff and constitutes a very efficient, cost-effective way of providing support to a wide group of people.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.