MENTAL health service users breathed a sigh of relief this week after their centre avoided closure despite unprecedented cuts to adult social care.

Reading Your Way (RYW) was due to be closed down when its contract with the council expires in April, but alternative funding has been found to keep the vital service alive.

Following public consultations with service users and families, the council has been able to find a method after agreeing to a new partnership with Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

Councillor Rachel Eden, Reading’s lead member for adult social care, said: “I’m delighted that following our consultation with service users, we now understand our NHS partners have agreed to commit their half of the funding.

“Thanks to the new situation, this vital mental health service can continue. I’m sure this news will be a huge relief to all the people who use and highly value, this service.

“Unfortunately, due to major government funding cuts, the council could not continue to support the existing service on its own.

"In those circumstances we would need to look to how we could make the most of our limited resources, whilst maximising the benefit to users of the mental health services.

“However, in partnership with the Berkshire West CCGs, we are more than happy to commit to our ongoing contribution of the funding and also continue to provide RYW with rent free premises, as we have done for several years.”

CCGs announced last summer they would be revoking their share of funding, leaving the council as the sole provider for RYW.

The cash-strapped council was left with little alternative but to allow the centre to close down, owing to cuts of £57.5 million.

Despite heavy cuts, nearly 70 per cent of the council's spending is on adult and children's social care.

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, Reading's lead member for health, added: “I welcome the positive news that a way forward has been found for the Reading Your Way service.

"Despite the challenge of massive cuts to council budgets, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our community and to improving the services available so that adults affected by mental health needs can access timely help and enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives.”