Dear Sir or Madam, The Befriending Scheme For Mental Health is a local charity based in the county of Leicestershire providing social group and and befriending services. These services have been provided by the scheme for over 20 years and are currently helping 65 clients with various degrees of mental health issues. Examples of this are encouraging more social inclusion by visiting places with clients whom would normally stay indoors or providing a listening ear for people whom would not in any other circumstances talk about their problems. Earlier this year, the scheme had to tender for renewing of the contract to continue with these services. We have recently been informed that the scheme was unsuccessful in that tender We feel very strongly that the scheme SHOULD be allowed to continue as they have been credited with providing a first class service and have already helped numerous people to overcome their issues. They have also been used as a role model for similar schemes around the country. We do not feel that this work could be done any better by any other organisation. We would appreciate it very much if you would support us in this by signing this petition Thank you.