A petition to save an "essential lifeline" for people with mental health problems from council cuts gained nearly 800 signatures in five days.

The Bridge, in Christchurch Avenue, could close next year if Harrow Council follows through on proposals to cut the budget for the facility entirely.

Supporters begged councillors to "please search your hearts" and find a way to keep the centre open.

Many people who signed said they used the Bridge, one described it as a "sanctuary" another said the service kept him from self harming.

Others had friends or family members who relied on the support from staff and other services users of the bridge saying they "cannot lead a normal life without it".

Susie Keen, in Northwood, said: "I am a carer and vulnerable people deserve a place to be safe and feel that they too are a part of the human race.

"None of us know what is ahead in life - decisions made today could be the end of better health and happiness for many."

While Philippa Lewis, in Pinner,commented: "The Bridge is a lifeline and the main community meeting point for many very isolated and vulnerable people in Harrow who have mental health problems.

"Closing it would be catastrophic for them, and short-sighted from the financial viewpoint.

"The Bridge helps to keep people stable and well[...]Most people who use the Bridge have already been in hospital as mental health patients, and it is likely that its closure would result in more time spent in hospital for several reasons, including that relapses would not be not picked up early enough.

"It is essential that the Bridge remains open."

Julia Breuer, in Harrow, said closing the Bridge would "literally destroy lives".

She said: "I'm signing because as a member of staff at the Bridge I know what a massive impact this proposed closure will have on our clients.

"If you are looking at this just from a financial aspect, it doesn't add up, savings will not be made by closing the Bridge as it will cost the council more to send clients to other places (places that cannot cater for our clients like the Bridge does).

"If you are looking at this on a more humane level, this will literally destroy lives.

"Some of our clients would be able to move on to other services, but for others the Bridge is a lifeline.

"Many have described it as their family or the only thing they've got. If this centre is closed it'll have a huge knock on effect on the NHS and other services - it seems that not all factors are being taken into account here."

The messages were echoed dozens of times in the 'Don't Close The Bridge' petition started by the Harrow Council Conservatives on Thursday, February 4.

Cllr Susan Hall, Conservative group leader, said: "This petition is about supporting the Bridge, the wonderful voluntary organisations who use it, and the hundreds of clients for whom it is a second home.

"Closing the Bridge will destroy the atmosphere of trust and goodwill that has built up over many years, and with no clear plans for helping clients afterwards there’s a real fear many could become increasingly isolated and desperate.

"The council often seems to find money to waste on pet projects, but supporting people with mental health issues should be an absolute priority.

"We sincerely hope the administration rethinks this proposal."

The petition can be viewed at www.change.org/p/harrow-council-don-t-close-the-bridge.