Congleton Town Council's desire to ensure that Congleton has its very own place for people in mental health crisis was further confirmed last week when two town councillors attended the opening of Cheshire's first Crisis Centre.

Councillors Mark Rogan and Kay Wesley from Congleton Town Council's Health and Wellbeing Working Group attended the official opening of the 'Number 71' Crisis Café in Chester to learn more about how it was set up and the services it will provide.

It is intended to be a place for people in mental health crisis to go instead of heading to Accident and Emergency hospital departments.

The Chester centre will be staffed by qualified mental health professionals and the facilities include consulting rooms, group-work rooms, activities and areas to relax and have a coffee and chat.

Councillor Kay Wesley from the working group and Chair of Congleton's Community and Environment Committee said: "Getting the appropriate adult mental health provision for Congleton is a priority.

"We want to see a front-line mental health space in Congleton, where people in crisis can gain the professional help and support that they need.

"We were delighted to learn in October last year that the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group plans to introduce centres in each of their care communities in Cheshire.

"There was a great deal to like about the Crisis Centre in Chester and we will continue to lobby for Congleton to get the first in Cheshire East!"

Whilst campaigning for a permanent local centre, the group is working on more immediate projects such as publicising the mental health support currently available locally.