A Moray addiction charity is being forced to close after its funding was severed – leaving dozens of clients without vital support.
The volunteers who run Moray Council on Addiction (MCA) say some struggling addicts will soon have no local assistance.
The charity has counselled more than 4,000 people during its 34 years, but crucial funding from NHS Grampian and Moray Council was withdrawn in 2012.
Since then the group has remained afloat thanks to a generous bequest, but with resources running dry it now has “no option” but to shut for good.
The service, based on Elgin’s High Street, currently helps 30 people suffering from various addictions.
Moray Council said those with drug and alcohol dependencies will be able to receive treatment from national social care group Quarriers, which set up a base in Elgin yesterday.
However, MCA director Lynn Geddes said the new outfit would not offer therapy and counselling to address the cause of people’s problems.
And she expressed concern that those with other vices will have no access to help locally.
Ms Geddes said: “Alcohol is Moray’s biggest problem, and we offer clients counselling to help them address why they drink – otherwise they may never move on.
“It won’t be long before Moray Council and the NHS notice the ripple effect caused by our closure.”
Ms Geddes said MCA was the only agency in the north of Scotland which treats gambling addicts – and people from all over visit for counselling.
“It’s a growing problem, and I have no idea what might happen to them now”, she added.
The charity had existed on annual grants of £40,000 from the NHS and £20,000 from Moray Council.
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “Funding was withdrawn due to a change in our national and local strategic direction.
“We provide services for people affected by drug and alcohol use in Moray, and the numbers of those requiring support are decreasing year on year.”
A Moray Council spokesman added: “The counselling service was closed following a review of the contract in 2012.
“After a tender process the new provider, Quarriers, has opened its drug and alcohol service in Moray.”
MCA will continue accepting clients until Monday, September 14, but will close in late November.
Organisers are looking for past counsellors to get in touch to attend a closing event which will celebrate its work.