A mother whose daughter said she feels "abandoned" over plans to cut a service for vulnerable people has spoken of her relief when the decision was overturned.

It was announced on Thursday (February 8) that Suffolk Night Owls - a free telephone, text, and email support service - is now to continue operating until March 2025.

The service, run by mental health charity Suffolk Mind, announced it was closing at the end of its current funding contract in March this year, as the funding was no longer available.

The helpline was no longer taking referrals, following a decision from Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Suffolk County Council, who jointly funded the service.

Following the U-turn, the wellbeing service will continue to be delivered by Suffolk Mind and funded by the ICB, following feedback from users and staff.

Suffolk Night Owls has been running for nine years in the county, offering anyone struggling emotionally the chance to call someone and be heard without judgement.

Sarah Brown, who lives near Orford, previously said that removing the service would be "like pulling the rug from her daughter's feet" and leave her with "nobody to turn to".

Her daughter, who did not wish to be named, added that she would feel "abandoned" and "hopeless" without the service, and without it the burden on her family would increase.

Ms Brown said: "I was so worried about the impact of Suffolk Night Owls being withdrawn, but people have listened, which restores our faith. My daughter and I are so relieved.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ms Brown says the cuts will leave her daughter with 'nobody to turn to'.Ms Brown says the cuts will leave her daughter with 'nobody to turn to'. (Image: Contributed)

"It was a painful possibility for us, the effects of which cannot be underestimated - both for people struggling and for theirs carers.

"Mental health, and any kind of health, doesn't work to office hours, and one of the most helpful things for a person with poor mental health is knowing there is someone to talk to about it and understands, and that was what this service has offered and now can continue to offer.

"It frightens me that this could have been lost, and that other vital services may be lost too."

East Anglian Daily Times: Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk MindJon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind (Image: Suffolk Mind)

The ICB says it will review the service using feedback from users and partners, "remaining mindful of other sources of help and support" that have developed alongside Suffolk Night Owls.

Jason Joseph, who leads adult mental health transformation at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, said: “We are grateful to everyone who took time to give their feedback on the Suffolk Night Owls service.

“We have listened to what we have been told and recognise the importance of the service to many people.

“We have reflected and believe taking more time to work with service users and partners to review the current service and determine how we best meet their needs is the right way forward.”