IT would be a genuine tragedy if mental health charity Bolton Steps had to close its doors.

It has already become a victim of current cuts by official local body the Clinical Commissioning Group and faces closure after its £50,000 a year funding was withdrawn.

Now, just months from having to shut up shop, the organisation has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £15,000 to keep it going and let’s hope it’s successful.

Bolton Steps has been based in the Victoria Hall for more than 17 years and sees around 70 people a week with around 150 referrals from other organisations annually. The charity provides practical placements to help individuals towards recovery and is very supportive.

Now, Bolton Steps itself needs support to keep up its excellent work. It’s up to all of us now to ensure that the town keeps such an important service. To help go to www.crowdfunding.co.uk/saveboltonsteps/