THE Welsh Government should step in and support a lifesaving mental health organisation says a local MS.

Adam Price, MS for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr, called for the Welsh Government to provide financial support to Shadows Depression Support Group in a Senedd meeting on Tuesday, June 13.

He told First Minister Mark Drakeford that Shadows, which supports 1,600 people, is facing closure in September after the Amman and Gwendraeth Valley GP cluster made the decision to end their funding due to budget cuts from Hywel Dda University Health Board.

This news has led to widespread concern for those who use the service.

He also highlighted the support from the local community, saying that since the announcement, local businesses and individuals have been extremely supportive of the group and trying to seek alternative funding.

Speaking of the Garnant-based group, Mr Price told the First Minister: “Shadows provide an essential service to the Amman Valley and it’s vital that it stays open.

“It doesn’t long after speaking to someone who has interacted with the group to understand the level and depth of support they offer.”

During First Minister’s Questions, Mr Price asked what can be offered to the people on the Hywel Dda waiting list for therapy for mental health issues to provide them with hope and assurance, stating that more than 50 per cent of those on the waiting list were waiting for such services.

Mr Drakeford stated that the decision had come from the local cluster, which Mr Price agreed with but stated there is a ‘national framework in terms of assessing the costs and benefits of these decisions’.

He also asked if there was direct funding available for situations where there will be gaps in provision.

“Shouldn’t we ensure that there is continuity of support for people who truly need that support in the Amman and Gwendraeth valleys?", he asked.

Mr Drakeford responded with: “Of course, I acknowledge the fact that, when services change, that does lead to concerns among some people, particularly those who have accessed the service that is already there.

“But the purpose of creating a robust cluster with direct funding that goes straight to them is to provide them with the ability to make decisions.

"That’s the purpose of what we have been developing for a number of years now, and for me, it is important to give that flexibility to local people who are close to the communities that they serve.

“I’m sure that the [health] minister will be able to speak with the health board about what is happening in Garnant. It’s important to me to adhere to the principle whereby the decisions are made by people on the ground.”