THE "Not in My Back Yard" outlook among people in East Lancashire is blamed by the leading mental health charity, MIND, for thwarting projects for hostels and centres in the community for mentally-ill patients.

It is a charge not without foundation - as testified by several instances in our region of opposition to such schemes.

But, one wonders, is it all inspired by blind prejudice towards the mentally ill?

Surely, the too-frequent instances of mentally disturbed patients, who have been a danger to themselves and others, being admitted to the community with tragic consequences have done much to raise residents' concerns.

Mental health campaigners may be right to question the nigh-automatic discrimination that arises whenever community-based projects are put forward, but they should also look to the fears that stimulate it.

They are criticising an effect - when perhaps the cause lies in the precipitate rush to locate as much mental health care in the community as possible, but without all the safeguards or supervision that went with the old hospital-based system.

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