An East Kilbride-based mental health charity that has proved to be a lifeline for members for more than 40 years has folded.
There are now calls from the town's MP and MSP for a way forward to be found for Support in Mind and alternative funding to be found for the service to be reinstated.
The EK group was founded by Elinor Gardiner, now 90, after her own daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17.
This was 43 years ago, and while there were meetings in Glasgow under the auspice of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, there was nothing in East Kilbride.
Elinor and other parents of those with mental health issues in the area got together and an EK branch was formed with Elinor taking the reins aided by Sheila McLeod, who is now 89.
The group, which offers a range of support from meetings, trips away and allowing members to get out about in the community while feeling safe and secure, has been entirely self-funded with Elinor and Sheila working tirelessly to keep the group going.
However, due to age and health reasons they are unable to carry on and say they previously came to an arrangement whereby the group would be run through Support in Mind Scotland HQ.
But the women were informed recently there was no infrastructure or funding to allow HQ to keep the EK group, which currently has 15 members, afloat.
A devastated Elinor told Lanarkshire Live: "We have worked so hard all these years, been entirely self-funded, never asked for anything and now we have been told that's it. It's a devastating blow for our members.
"Due to health and age reasons and the pandemic, myself and Sheila just couldn't carry on but were told last year that there would be a transition, with us supporting head office to take over the running of the group.
"But for one reason and another, due to people leaving at head office and other issues, it's quite frankly been a farce. Then we got the letter to say we are done - that's it, there is no money to support the EK group any more.
"Support in Mind Scotland are now a massive national charity - we have ran this group basically on our own for the last 40 years, but they can't help at all."
Elinor added: "It's mind blowing - mental health issues are so much to the fore right now. We are a lifeline for our members, who can range from late teens to 40s and 50s or older and they have just been abandoned.
"It's not right, we need a service in East Kilbride. I don't know what they will do without us."
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP, Dr Lisa Cameron, said: "I was previously in contact with Support in Mind and know the excellent work that the group and particularly Elinor and Sheila have undertaken over so many years.
"I am very disappointed that funding appears to be being withdrawn from Support in Mind Scotland as there are many local residents who benefit from their intervention.
"I will write to their HQ to ask for a meeting to further discuss how this can be progressed taking full account of our local constituents needs."
East Kilbride MSP Collette Stevenson said: "I understand the decision to withdraw financial support has caused distress to members and I will do all I can to assist as they seek funding from alternative sources.
"Having visited the group in the past, I saw first-hand the importance of their work – it’s important they continue.”
A spokesperson for Support in Mind Scotland said: "As we are unable to secure funding and therefore develop a robust infrastructure, Support in Mind Scotland is making the difficult decision of no longer offering this service in East Kilbride.
"We are working closely with the local community to communicate the reason behind this decision and ensure those impacted know where to go to access support locally."
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