A Deal-based support group for people with mental health issues is doing the job of the health services because of a lack of resources in Kent, it is claimed.

Mayoress Tracy Carr, the founder of the Talk It Out group, spoke out about the shocking lack of provision after we described, last week, how a mother is calling for a change to emergency services protocol.

She was responding to the death earlier this month of Karoline Valleton de Boissiere, who had mental health issues and relied on alcohol.

Mrs Carr, 54, of Langton Close, Deal, founded Talk It Out – a group for people with mental illness and depression – alongside Maureen Stokes and Sharon Hogben in September 2011.

She now runs it with help from a retired psychotherapist, Marie Jordan, and Ian Roe.

She said: “Mental health services in Deal are diabolical.

“I’ve been fighting them for five years.

“My group is doing the job of the services. We’re not trained but we’re the ones that are going out to help people, using our MP’s name to get them a bed in a hospital.

“These people are desperate but if they call the crisis team, they have to wait about two hours. Kent hasn’t got the resources and so many lives are being lost.”

Talk It Out has a confidential Facebook page allowing members to talk to one another when they are feeling particularly low.

Mrs Carr said that the page is especially busy at night time because people feel they have nowhere to else go.

“My group is doing the job of the services. We’re not trained but we’re the ones that are going out to help people..." - Tracy Carr

She said: “My group has saved three lives. When somebody comes on the page and says they’re going to take an overdose, the members contact me or Marie, and between us we sort something.

“If we can’t get there we can talk to them.”

Mrs Carr was keen to highlight the lack of support for mental health suffers in Deal after reading about Ms Valleton de Boissiere, known as ‘Kaz’.

Kaz, 36, died on Sunday May 1 after battling years of mental illness and alcohol abuse.

Her mother, Alison Stevenson, 68, of Church Path, Deal, had made several attempts to get help for Kaz, but because her daughter would often refuse it nothing was done.

Mrs Stevenson felt the system failed her daughter.

Mrs Carr is now working with MP Charlie Elphicke to try and open a crisis cafe in the town.

Ideally, she would like it to be open 24 hours a day, but to start with it is likely to run in the daytime only, offering people support and a cup of tea.

“We need someone that’s actually paid within the service to take the pressure off us, and it needs to happen soon." - Tracy Carr

She would like an advocate to be on hand, offering help with debts and small jobs such as sorting through people’s post.

“We need someone that’s actually paid within the service to take the pressure off us, and it needs to happen soon,” she said.

MP Charlie Elphicke said: "I'm looking forward to organising a new round table meeting together with the mental health chief and Talk It Out to see if we can improve mental health care in general and crisis care in particular.

"The tragic loss of Kaz's life underlines the need that we get the best possible crisis care services for people in Deal and Dover."

Aimee Gee, media relations manager for mental health charity MIND, said: “The NHS provides services for people in mental health crisis. Where these services work well, people can call a 24-hour helpline and access the right care and support quickly.

“Sadly, however, we know that crisis care is not adequate in all parts of the country and that often people in crisis do not get the help they need.

"Mental health services have been underfunded for decades and subjected to fresh cuts over recent years. In the meantime, demand has risen, leaving many local teams unable to cope with the numbers of people needing support.

"Mind is campaigning for improvements to mental health services, including crisis care services.

“The Mind info line (0300 123 3393) is open from 9am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, and provides information on a range of topics including types of mental health problem, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments, and advocacy.

"People experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings can also call Samaritans’ 24-hour helpline on (Freephone) 116 123.”

Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust said: “Anyone in Kent and Medway who needs mental health advice can contact our single point of access on 0300 222 0123.

“This number is available 24/7, seven days a week.

“Anyone needing mental health support can talk directly to a clinically trained professional, who will work with the patient to determine a way forward.

“This may include a visit from the crisis team, the community mental health team or arranging a meeting with those who can help. Everyone’s needs are different and we work with everyone to address their specific requirements.

“Working alongside commissioned support services, including Shaw Trust and Porchlight, we welcome any initiative that supports those with mental health needs.”

Talk It Out meets every Thursday from 6.15pm until 8.30pm at the back of St George’s Church in the High Street.

New members are always welcome. No appointment is necessary; just turn up.