People with mental health issues will be “left isolated” when charity project closes says sister.

The First Step Trust project in Enfield helps people with mental health issues get work placements and qualifications by doing jobs such as painting, decorating, refurbishment and landscaping.

It was recently announced the charity will close its branch in the borough, base in Park Avenue, next week.

Katie Barnes, 27, whose sister has benefited from the charity said: “It’s such a shame it will be closing.

“When it closes I think a lot of them will be left isolated and issues they may have will get worse. It will be sad when it closes and we don’t want to see it go.

“It’s a fantastic place and such a benefit to so many people because it really does help.

“I’ve seen the work First Step has done and the improvement first hand. You can see the change in all of them and as they work there longer and longer they more and more confident.”

Staff at the Enfiled branch have been sent letters confirming the project in Enfield will close on September 30 and have been told they will be made redundant on September 28.

Duane Green, 51, who has been using the charity for eight years, said: “I’ll be so gutted if was to close. Its great place to come to and gets me out of the house and lets you meet different people.

“When it closes I know I’m going to be indoors so much more and I won’t be out as much. We’re all really worried about it.”

The charity has operated in Enfield since 2004 and currently has 35 people using the service gaining work experience and work relevant skills.