THE public is being urged to get behind a campaign to keep an Amman Valley mental health service going.

In May, it was revealed that Shadows depression support group would be closing in September as the funding that has kept the service going for the last three years is being withdrawn.

This came as a shock to many who use the service – which currently supports 1,600 people from its Garnant base.

The funding came from the Amman and Gwendraeth GP cluster, but as of September 5, they will no longer be receiving this funding, due to cuts by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

“We’ve taken a lot of pressure off the GP cluster,” Louise Craik - who founded Shadows around six and a half years ago – previously told the South Wales Guardian.

"The funding was for mental health projects on a three-year term and Shadows has provided the health board with information about the number of people they have helped and more details but have not been given further funding.

“The GP cluster said we don’t need convincing because we know but there’s no money there.”

“The GP cluster are on our side,” said Jennifer Mackey, who is a facilitator at the group. “But their hands are tied.”

Following the news, an outpouring of support has been given to Shadows, with people attempting to raise funds to help the service continue.

“Where are these people who use the service going to go?” asked Councillor Kevin Madge, who represents Garnant ward.

“The health board sends patients to Shadows but they haven’t said what will replace them when they withdraw funding.

"The health board hasn’t even visited Shadows to see their work.”

A public meeting is to be held later this month to form a campaign to keep Shadows in funding. Cllr Madge and his colleague Cllr Emyr Rees have organised the meeting and call on the public to get behind them.

“I am calling on the public to support this campaign. These services are vital to the people," said Cllr Madge.

“Shadows is there for people seven days a week and should be thanked for the work they have done. They are lifesavers.”

The public meeting will be held at Glanamman’s Community Education Centre on Wednesday, July 12, at 7pm.