Three Nelson locals, fighting to save a community mental health centre, have biked all the way to Parliament to deliver a petition.
Nikau House, a community mental health centre has had patients fighting for it to stay open, after a DHB document proposed its disestablishment last month.
Frances Riley, Katrina Marwick, and her son Josh Wilkinson delivered the petition, which was signed by 4500 people.
The trio embarked on a 107 kilometer journey from Nelson on Wednesday, arriving at the steps of Parliament on Friday.
Wilkinson says the centre provided support for him throughout a six year battle with depression and schizophrenia.
"Nikau House is a place where Josh could go during the day," his mother said.
"It's more than that," Josh said, "they have nurses there."
Daniel Timms, another visitor of the centre, says spending time at Nikau House has helped him through critical depression.
"There's life after mental illness," he told Newshub.
The Consultation Document proposes disestablishing Nikau House and moving its services and staff to other providers that may be better placed to help clients.
The DHB says the proposal is about how it offers and structures support services. It wants to hear from Nikau House clients and says this petition reflects how much the community cares about mental health services.
Nelson MP Nick Smith accepted the petition, and is set to present it to Parliament on Tuesday.
