Campaigners to Save The Bridge say they are in "total relief" a lifeline mental health support day centre in Harrow will stay open.

The Bridge, in Christchurch Avenue, Wealdstone, was under threat of closure after Harrow Council agreed to cut its funding in the latest budget.

However, after service users, their friends, family and carers mounted a campaign to save the centre the authority announced last night it would keep it open "for years to come and create a beacon of mental health".

Service users who united to create the Save The Bridge Campaign applauded the decision.

Louise Mitchell, The Bridge service user and campaigner, said: "I feel total relief. I’ve been going to The Bridge every day for 18 years – it gives me a reason to get up in the morning, gives me a place to go and gives me the support I need to stay well. The Bridge is like a home from home."

Campaigners pledged to work hand-in-hand with the council to create a lasting and high-quality service for Harrow.

In a statement, the Save The Bridge Campaign said: "It’s been inspirational to see people coming together, to see people affected by mental health issues use their varied talents, with each person playing a part. The campaign has built up a fantastic team, which bodes well for the future working in partnership with the council in its new service model. This is just the beginning."

Cllr David Perry, leader of the council, who visited the service and met users in the spring, today announced an innovative model for a raft of new mental health services at The Bridge.

He said the council outlined its voluntary sector and community partnership model following a consultation and weeks of work to devise a cost-effective option that protects the council-owned centre.

Cllr Perry said: "Supporting the most vulnerable people in Harrow has always been my first priority and it is only right that one of our last decisions with me as leader will be to protect vital mental health services in Harrow.

"I have personally visited the Bridge and come to understand this is a lifeline to many and that service users rely on the activities there to improve their quality of life. With mental health facilities closing across the country due to devastating government cuts to councils, I am immensely proud that we have found a long term and sustainable future for The Bridge, after tireless work by campaigners and council staff.

"I have been humbled by the dignified, passionate and steadfast campaign to save The Bridge. Their extraordinary creativity and belief will now help us co-design a brilliant service in this mental health centre. The Bridge is a valuable resource to our community."

Coming to the end of its previous tendered contract, The Bridge had been one of a multitude of Harrow Council services proposed for closure in cutbacks.

Council officers devised the new model following a consultation with service providers and service users at The Bridge.

They will now form a steering group to develop the community approach and guide the process towards a tender for voluntary sector organisations to run the new mental health services at The Bridge.

Activities at The Bridge currently include one to one keyworker support, arts and crafts classes, group therapy, out-of-hospital support and music sessions.

The More Than Just a Choir singing group has also found a home at The Bridge.