PATIENTS have criticised a decision to close a drop-in centre.

Oak House, in Maldon Road, Colchester, was shut as part of a shake-up of mental health services.

The centre, provided by voluntary organisation Colchester Mind, helped people suffering or recovering from mental health problems.

Dorson House, a similar centre, in Clacton, has also closed.

The centres will be replaced by Mind’s mobile day service.

But patients say the new appointment-only service would not suit everyone.

Annette Blackie, 48, of New Town, Colchester, who has bipolar disorder, said: “The good thing about the centre was we could see someone if we had issues that needed resolving.

“They knew us so well and they recognised when we were unwell, sometimes before we did.

“It was also a chance to meet other people with a similar condition, and to talk to them about issues such as bereavement, symptoms or medication.

“Now there will be nowhere like that for people like me to turn, so I will be left to cope on my own.”

Under the new service, patients will be placed on programmes lasting up to six months.

The sessions aim to help patients achieve their goals, such as returning to work or learning new skills.

Ms Blackie, a former accountant, added: “The idea that in six months we will be able to do all of these things is quite scary.

“We want to be reliable members of society, but the problem is you don’t know where your illness is going to take you.

“They are expecting too much from vulnerable individuals.”

Essex County Council said it and North East Essex NHS primary care trust had been working to modernise health services, and Dorson House and Oak House had missed out in a formal tender for funding.