A SUPPORT group for people with additional needs fears it is facing closure now its funding ‘lifeline’ has been cut.

The FDF, formerly Flintshire Disability Forum, has been supporting people with disabilities and sensory impairments across the county for the past 20 years.

Flintshire Council recently conducted a tendering process, but the FDF was not successful, with organisations based in England and Colwyn Bay being allocated the funds instead.

FDF chief officer Jan Thomas said: “We have 20 years local experience and those years will be lost because without this funding we can’t do it.

“The service means absolutely everything to these people.

“I broke the news to them last week and they are devastated. This service is a lifeline.

“There’s too much emphasis on getting disabled people back to work but many of our members are too disabled or elderly to work, so where do they fit in, in the community?

“Some members have the most complex of disabilities and no family support or friends. Our social groups might be their only opportunity to come out.

“We also ring these people once a week just to check they’re okay.

“This will all cease and these are people that other organisations won’t take on.”

The service provides daily social groups for the people of Flintshire, of which about 150 members, who do not receive statutory services, attend.

Shotton resident Cheryl Woodfin, who has a severely disabled son, said she is outraged by the decision.

She explained: “Recently we are hearing that local councils have to adhere to certain aspects to give disabled people as many rights as able bodied people.

“This shouldn’t event need to be an issue, as everyone should be treated with the same dignity and respect.

“Inclusion is the new ‘buzz word’ and while I have been very happy with the support received for Jack, I feel this service being withdrawn is going to force the most vulnerable local disabled people into loneliness.

“They already have little support and this is a lifeline for many.”

The FDF annual general meeting will be held at 1.30pm today at Parkfield Community Centre in Mold and will give those affected a chance to express their views.

However Neal Ayling, Flintshire Council’s chief officer social services, said: “I confirm categorically that we are not cutting services for people with disabilities in Flintshire and are looking forward to working with the four successful voluntary organisations to ensure we deliver even better services within the county.

“Flintshire County Council is fully committed to providing the best possible service for people with disabilities and will maintain completely the current level of services, with no reductions in service at all.

“We have recently re-tendered the service for people with disabilities, a process required by public procurement regulations.

“The process has been completely fair and robust and involved voluntary sector and independent partners in the evaluation.”