RE letter from Ross Fifield (July 17). I agree, Andover should have a drop-in centre for people with mental health issues.

One of my friends had a breakdown several years ago and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was referred to the CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) and later went along to Mind.

However he was quickly discharged and expected to live in the community with no support. When he tried to refer himself back to Mind they did not seem to want to help.

He eventually recovered with my help.

In my opinion the CMHT and Mind only seem to want to help people who are either married, divorced or still living with their parents. There is hardly any help for single people and that is where a drop-in centre would be helpful.

I think a lot of suicide could be avoided if there was a drop-in centre available. It would give people the chance to meet like-minded people and have somewhere to go which is not demanding. I really hope one could be set up.

I am sure a hall in town could be hired during the day or evening which could be the premises of a drop-in centre.

Tom Smith, Weyhill Road, Andover.