TWO large houses used as a day centre for people with mental health problems in Huddersfield have closed.
But the service has been transferred to community buildings in other parts of the town, aiming to ease the people into mainstream life.
The centre was run by the Concern For Mental Health charity at former houses at the top of Trinity Street.
The centre provided food, social activities and discussion groups for about 150 people during the week and weekend.
It closed two weeks ago, in line with a new policy of shifting services into mainstream buildings, such as Huddersfield Town Hall.
Since it shut, attendance has doubled. Meals are now subsidised and eaten in conventional cafes, restaurants and pubs, with support from health workers.
But a friend of a service user expressed his concern at the closure of the centre, which is being sold.
The man, who did not want to be named, said: "An excellent facility has been lost. It provided regular meals for those unable to do so for themselves and the social link of having somewhere to go."
Mr Robin St Clair, the charity's chief executive, said:
"We do not regard ourselves as being institutional, but that structure can lead to a level of dependence and the feeling that the individual is not part of society.
"The closure of the centre was planned. We notified everybody months in advance."
Office space is being rented at St George's Square.
