A MENTAL health campaigner is calling for more tolerance from people opposing plans for a halfway house for psychiatric patients.

Neighbours in Preston New Road, Blackburn, are trying to block a move to turn an old legal office into a rehab unit for patients coming out of psychiatric care.

Mo Congress, who tries to shake off the taboo of discussing mental health problems in the Asian community by giving regular talks and visiting schools, said fears over the plans could be based on a misunderstanding.

The 27-year-old IT worker from Blackburn, said: “I think they are worried there might be drug users or people causing trouble in the area, as long as nobody is harmful then it’s fine.

“The planning team need to speak to the individuals and assure them that it’s a secure unit, and there will be restrictions in place.

“They could take into consideration of any other centres in the area and see if there is a cause for concern for crime.”

The proposal by ASC, which already runs an autism treatment centre in Bolton, is to turn the unused building into a halfway centre, where former psychiatric patients will stay, with 24-hour security.

Several residents complained that the location was not suitable because it is near a nursery, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and houses.

Mr Congress said the reason so many rejected the idea, could also be because of a lack of understanding on mental health, as the unit would be housing potentially problematic people.

He said: “The Asian society in particular have a lack of education when it comes to mental health and there needs to be more done.

“Community leaders need to talk about it and everyone needs to be aware of the real issues before saying no to a mental rehab unit without even considering why it’s needed.

"But, I think the residents simply haven’t been told the ins and outs and need to be assured that it will be a safe place.”

Mr Congress’s personal experience is what led him to help others. After losing his brother in a car crash at 14, fighting with lung issues, having two major surgeries and losing his job, he hit rock bottom.

He said: “Since then I wanted to rid the stigma as so many people are struggling silently. My mum has suffered from depression too since the loss of my brother, so I know how difficult it is.”

Yael Eardley, ASC's Head of Contracts and Compliance said: "Oakfield will provide a bespoke, person centred crisis support service offering a safe and stabilising environment for service users who are experiencing an acute episode of mental ill health and require an emergency admission whilst is crisis.

"With a focus on stabilisation, we support service users to manage their mental health, reinforce daily living skills to maintain an independent life back in the community.

"Our aim is a short, rapid intervention to empower service users to regain a sense of control and order in their lives, so they can ultimately return home.

"We will be holding a community engagement meeting in the very near future offering a drop in session open to all where ASC team members will be available to answer questions about the service;."