TWO MPs have called for direct intervention to save a scheme which is a lifeline to people struggling with personality disorders.

The Haven Project, in Colchester, will close at the end of next month unless new funding is found.

In the House of Commons, both Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell and Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin spoke of the crisis.

As a result of their separate challenges during health questions, Health Minister Norman Lamb has agreed to convene a meeting with NHS Trusts in Colchester to see if a way can be found to keep the Haven going.

Mr Lamb visited the Haven last week with Sir Bob.

Last month, Mr Jenkin took another Health Minister, Dr Dan Poulter, to the Haven, which is based in Lexden.

Funding for the Haven has come from the Department for Health for the past ten years.

That has now ended and the North Essex Mental Health Partnership and the Colchester Clinical Commissioning Group say the money – in the region of £600,000 a year – can be used more efficiently to provide mental health services.

Sir Bob said: “I hope the joint effort by myself and Mr Jenkin will, at the 11th hour, find a way of saving the Haven.”