MADAM,

May I through your paper, raise awareness regarding the cessation of funding by Monmouthshire County Council for Social Circles Group (previously known as COMIC) held at Bridges Community Centre. (‘Community centre’s appeal for group funding support’ Beacon, 2nd December)

This group, since 1984, has provided invaluable support to the elderly in the Monmouth area. Although I no longer live in Monmouth, the majority of my family do.

My own grandparents accessed the group and it provided stimulation, fun, integration and care in a respectful manner.

Welsh Government recognise the necessity of actively promoting care for the elderly.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are on the increase, so why did Monmouthshire County Council decide to withdraw funding?

Indeed, across Wales and the UK, many communities identify the need to the dementia-friendly and are going out of their way to extend support to the older generation, not reduce it.

Many of us will have the experience of elderly relatives or neighbours some of whom may have memory problems. Many will understand the difficulties this brings for everyone.

Groups like Social Circles (COMIC) are vital for sustaining the wellbeing of this generation, they offer a lifeline in what for some is a frightening and lonely stage in their lives.

To run this group and the Thursday Tea Dance, the centre requires £10,000 per year. Is that unreasonable considering the positive impact the group has had on so many for so long?

The cutting of the funding comes into effect from April 2016. Where do the nans, grandads, mums, dads and neighbours go then?

Currently Bridges Community Centre is trying desperately to raise the £10,000 needed to sustain the group for a year, if you would like to help, please contact them.

I’m sure that the compassion of Monmothians will come through, but just once, wouldn’t it be wonderful if those making the decisions on behalf of all people in Monmouth put the needs of people before money and revered a decision which I personally think is amoral.

Karen Lawrence

(Abergavenny)